Lies, Stealth and Uranium: Australian Democrats condemn reported moves to sell uranium to India
For Immediate Release
26 July, 2007
Contact: Nicole Chvastek 0417 613 610

Lies, Stealth and Uranium

The Australian Democrats have condemned reported new moves by the Howard Government to sell uranium to India in what appears to be a dangerous break from existing policy.

 "Anyone who thinks the nuclear industry is not going to be dramatically expanded under another term of the Howard Government is delusional," Australian Democrats Leader, Senator Lyn Allison said today.

"This is typical of the stealth tactics that we have seen used by this government over many years. It's a whispering campaign whereby leaks test the waters while allowing the government to deny any deal has been done".

As recently as May, Resources Minister Ian MacFarlane was categorical when answering questions about selling uranium to India thus:  "The answer is no. The Australian uranium industry can prosper without India. We have a prohibition on the basis that they have not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty".

"So what's changed?" Senator Allison said today.   "The Howard Government is obsessed with cheerleading for a toxic and dangerous nuclear future.  Any deal to sell uranium to India will undermine the most fundamental international treaty on weapons proliferation and could lead to further escalation of tensions in South-Asia".

Media contact -Nicole Chvastek 0417 613 610
Paul Watson 0408 056167