FED: Labor slams PM's nuclear plans

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2007
FED: Labor slams PM's nuclear plans

SYDNEY, April 28 AAP - Federal opposition treasury spokesman Wayne Swan has slammed
Prime Minister John Howard's plans to expand the nuclear industry in Australia.

Mr Howard has instructed ministers and departments to take immediate action on a four-stage
plan to prepare Australia for a nuclear future and report back to him by the end of this
year.

The expansion could ultimately include nuclear power stations, uranium enrichment and
nuclear waste treatment, it was reported today by News Limited.

But Mr Swan told AAP today the prime minister is playing politics as the party prepares
to debate its uranium mining and nuclear policy.

"John Howard has been in parliament for over 30 years and suddenly the Australian people
are expected to believe that on the day of the Labor Party national conference that's
debating uranium he's suddenly discovered a new way to fast-track nuclear power," he said.

"It's just not credible nor is it dignified for the prime minister of Australia to
play politics in such a silly and demeaning way.

"Australia has abundant supplies of gas and coal which will supply our energy needs
for hundreds of years."

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KEYWORD: NUCLEAR SWAN

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