Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Resources, Industry and Science, Senator Farrell. What percentage of the world's uranium deposits are located in Australia, and what percentage of global uranium does Australia supply?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Birmingham for his question. I don't know the answer to that off the top of my head. I'm very happy to speak to the minister for resources to get those accurate figures. I am aware that South Australia has very significant levels of uranium, and I'm very pleased to hear that it looks like BHP is taking some steps to increase its extraction of uranium, gold and copper.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Safely, I hope.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I'm sure it will be a safe extraction. But, no, South Australia does have significant amounts of uranium, and of course we export that uranium safely to the world.

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

Senator Birmingham, first supplementary?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the minister, noting in particular the minister's reference to BHP Billiton's expansion plans for Olympic Dam, as well as other aspirations, including for the uranium industry in Western Australia. Does the minister wish to see more Australian uranium mined and used around the world?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sorry, I was just getting an answer to your previous question, Senator Birmingham. Could you repeat that last question so I can hear it again? We produce 28 per cent—

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

If you take your seat, Senator Farrell, I'll get Senator Birmingham to repeat the last piece, which was about exporting uranium, I think.

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, President. I can repeat the supplementary question for Senator Farrell. He can, of course, add to his answer at the conclusion of question time, which will be as soon as he finishes, too. The question was whether the minister wishes to see more Australian uranium mined and more Australian uranium used around the world.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

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

Senator Birmingham, second supplementary?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I welcome that answer by the minister. The Minerals Council of Australia have stated:

Australia's strong global reputation for non-proliferation and its world-class uranium industry, which includes almost a third of global uranium reserves and supplies around 10 per cent of global uranium used for zero-emissions electricity, positions it well to lead in nuclear energy development.

…   …   …

It is time to move beyond outdated anti-nuclear sentiments.

Does the minister disagree with any aspects of the MCA's statement?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Birmingham for his second supplementary question. The reason we have a ban on nuclear energy in this country is not anything that the Labor Party has done in government. It's as a result of a grubby, grubby deal by former prime minister John Howard to get the GST through the parliament. We have a ban on nuclear energy; the Labor Party will continue with that ban. The Labor Party will continue with the policy— (Time expired)

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.