The Australian Student Environment network is a member of the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance, an alliance of Aboriginal nations facing and fighting the nuclear industry and environmentalists and supporters.
MEDIA RELEASE – FEBRUARY 18, 2009
The Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) has today dismissed moves by the Australian Uranium Association to reposition itself as the solution to systemic Aboriginal disadvantage through the formation of an Indigenous Dialogue Group.
“The uranium industry’s attempt to promote itself as a cure to Aboriginal poverty is in direct conflict to the reality of the Aboriginal experience,” said ANFA Committee member and Adnyamathanha custodian Jillian Marsh. “Extensive case study research and the concerns raised by Aboriginal people at the grass roots level shows that mining agreements have not improved life for Aboriginal people and uranium mines mean more problems.”
Late last year a detailed examination of hundreds of mining agreements by the Native Title working group found that less than twenty had brought significant benefit to Aboriginal communities.
“It is cynical for the uranium industry to act as if it can deliver for Aboriginal people. The main lasting effect of uranium mining for Aboriginal people is radioactive waste on their country, and no resources to clean up the mess left by miners,” said Ms Marsh. “This is a worldwide phenomenon; Australians are one part of a global assault inflicted by mining corporations and governments who care more about profits than about long term effects on our Nation and our lands.”
Formed in 1997, the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance brings together Aboriginal people and environment and public health groups concerned about existing or proposed nuclear developments in Australia, particularly on Aboriginal homelands.
The Alliance provides a forum for sharing of knowledge, skills and experience and an opportunity to come together to protect country and culture from nuclear developments. We provide this service in response to the lack of free and informed consent and decision-making that is gripping the Impact Assessment procedures supposedly in place to regulate mining industries, and the pro-mining position taken by leaders within Native Title and Aboriginal Land Rights in Australia.
The Alliance helped to build the successful campaign to stop the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory, and more recently, a proposed national nuclear waste dump in South Australia.
ANFA Committee member and Kokatha Mula custodian Sue Coleman Haseldine said: “Aboriginal people have been and remain at the sharp end of resistance to the uranium and nuclear industry in Australia and we are not about to be swayed by an industry PR exercise.”
Contact:
- Jillian Marsh 0407 804 423
- Sue Coleman Haseldine 0458 544 593
Information about the Alliance is posted at: <www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/alliance>.