Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, by no later than 5 pm on 28 April 2023, the following documents:

(a) any request for advice, data or other communication between the Department of Defence and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, including:

(i) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of nuclear submarines,

(ii) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of infrastructure construction for nuclear submarines, and

(iii) any other communication or contact in relation to the above;

(b) any request for advice, data or other communication between the Department of Defence and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, including:

(i) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of nuclear submarines,

(ii) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of infrastructure construction for nuclear submarines, and

(iii) any other communication or contact in relation to the above;

(c) any request for advice, data or other communication between the Department of Defence and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, including:

(i) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of nuclear submarines,

(ii) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of infrastructure construction for nuclear submarines, and

(iii) any other communication or contact in relation to the above; and

(d) any request for advice, data or other communication between the Department of Defence and the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency, including:

(i) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of nuclear submarines,

(ii) data, reports and guidance on marine impacts of infrastructure construction for nuclear submarines, and

(iii) any other communication or contact in relation to the above.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will be opposing this motion. Disclosure of material of the nature requested by Senator Whish-Wilson would be contrary to Australia's national interests, including for the reasons that it may be prejudicial to the security or defence of the Commonwealth and could prejudice international relations. The nuclear reactors that power submarines are a proven and safe technology. The science and technologies associated with them are highly specialised capabilities that will support classified national security activities across government. Over more than 60 years, the United Kingdom and the United States have operated more than 500 naval nuclear reactors without a single radiological incident. A sophisticated security and safety architecture will surround Australia's nuclear powered submarine program. Australia is unwavering in its commitment to safely and securely stewarding its nuclear powered submarines.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 217, standing in the name of Senator Whish-Wilson be agreed to.