MEDIA RELEASE – 22nd July 2009

Aboriginal voices raise uranium concerns

A predominantly Aboriginal national anti-nuclear group has raised serious concerns over the impacts of uranium mining and nuclear activities on Aboriginal country ahead of the opening of a uranium industry conference in Fremantle today.

“Aboriginal people have long endured the impacts of uranium mining, nuclear testing and radioactive waste dumping proposals in Australia,” said ANFA co-chair Donna Jackson.

“We continue to lead the resistance to further uranium mining in Australia, Traditional Owners (TOs) should not be bullied or intimidated into signing agreements”.

The Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) – formerly known as the Alliance Against Uranium (AAU) – was formed in 1997 and brings together Aboriginal people and health and environment NGOs concerned with the rapid expansion of existing or proposed uranium mining in Australia, particularly on Aboriginal homelands.

Historically ANFA helped to build the successful campaigns to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory and more recently assisted TOs to oppose proposed national nuclear waste dump in South Australia. “

ANFA is requesting an Inquiry or Royal Commission into Uranium mining and it’s impacts on people and country. This is not a black and white issue, this toxic industry threatens our clean air and clean water for tens of thousands of years, yet we are asked to believe the hollow assurances about safeguards from Governments and industry executives that may not be in power next week, let alone years from now”.

“It is vital that the full story be told and the full range of risks and impacts be understood by TOs. Radioactive pollution can travel vast distances via air and water, and remain radioactive in the environment for thousands of years”.

Donna Jackson is available for comment on 0427 847 186

ANFA – protecting country, supporting communities – www.anfa.org.au