Joanna Supports Nuclear Industry- Shoalhaven Reactor Now Likely

Joanna is now a declared supporter of a nuclear industry for Australia following a trip to the ANU in Canberra to meet with some the Nations top nuclear scientists.

However she still objects to any plans to build a reactor at Jervis Bay but has left open the question of a reactor elsewhere in the Shoalhaven saying that such a development is a "question for the community".

Independent candidate for Gilmore, Of None, reacted today by saying, "She will not defy her Prime Minister’s hell-bent drive to establish 25 nuclear reactors around the country but wants to enjoy the continued support of her electorate by refusing to countenance one at Jervis Bay, one of the most likely sites. She has joined the Nuclear Nimbies”.

“Given that any decision on the location of the reactors is seven to ten years away, any chance that she will still be in a position to prevent a reactor being built in the Shoalhaven is extremely remote”.

Mr. None believes that this election will decide whether or not Australia embarks on the nuclear path and consequently whether the Shoalhaven becomes a target of the nuclear industry.

Dr Clive Hamilton, executive director of the Australia Institute has identified “the area south of Wollongong” as a likely site for a reactor.

Murray's Beach was selected some decades ago as the site for our second reactor and some construction work was begun. It has a number of unique features that make its re-selection more than likely-
1. It has a deepwater port
2. It is within ACT territory and so would not be subject to a challenge from a State government
3. It is next to HMAS Creswell and so has inbuilt security against nuclear terrorism, a very real possibility.

Nuclear reactors require large amounts of water for cooling and so are typically on the coast or near a river with a reliable water flow.

Ms Gash has said that she would oppose the siting of a reactor at Jervis Bay for aesthetic reasons but left open the possibility of a reactor on the Shoalhaven River by saying that any other location was a question of community opinion.

“I am opposed to any nuclear reactors being built in Australia. I believe wholehearted commitment to a mix of alternative energy technologies in combination with energy saving measures is a more viable option to combat climate change,” said Mr. None.

“Under the Government’s plans no reactor will be completed before 2020 but that will be far too late to halt global warming. If a Liberal-National government is re-elected the only thing that may prevent a reactor being built at Murray’s Beach is the fact that the site will probably be under water”.

Joanna To Resign?

The Member for Gilmore is on record as having promised to resign if a nuclear reactor is built at Jervis Bay. This was before the recent release of the Switkowski Report which suggested that up to 25 reactors should be built in Australia.
Murray's Beach was selected some decades ago as the site for our second reactor and some construction work was begun. It has a number of unique features which make it's re-selection more than likely-
1. It has a deepwater port
2. It is within ACT territory and so would not be subject to a challenge from a State government
3. It is next to HMAS Creswell and so has inbuilt security against nuclear terrorism, a very real possibility.

Given the likelihood that a re-elected Liberal-National coalition government would commence a domestic nuclear industry and that the Shoalhaven is in at least the top 25 sites, perhaps Ms Gash should be asked to change her committment to a promise to vote against the establishment of a nuclear industry in Australia.

Email Joanna at Joanna.Gash.MP@aph.gov.au

see http://www.oceantrek.com.au/murrays.html

Joanna's Role in Parliament

Joanna was appointed a Goverment Whip by the PM in 2001. The duties of this position include organising other Liberal members to ensure they vote as directed. As such the Whip, more so than any regular backbencher, would find it nigh impossible to cross the floor and vote contrary to the Government line on any isssue. Joanna has never crossed the floor even on issues known to be close to her heart.
The party system has it's advantages but falls down when members feel strongly on an issue but are obliged to toe the party line. There is certainly an agument for at least a few Members of Parliament who are prepared to examine each issue on its merits and vote according to their considered assessment.

Refugees

Australia is the only developed nation to have a policy of mandatory, non-reviewable detention of refugees arriving over its borders. Many countries detain people for a short period if they come without documentation but then release them into the community while they are being processed.
Some asylum seekers are incarcerated in Australian detention centres for years. It is widely believed that a system which leads to the prolonged and arbitrary imprisonment of people fleeing human rights violations in their own country is in violation of the Australian Government’s commitment to international human rights agreements.

Joanna has always been a strong advocate of the imprisonment of refugees and their harsh treatment. On visiting Villawood detention Centre she described it as akin to a "luxury hotel".

Presumably the cyclone and razor wire fencing is to keep Australian citizens out lest they invade the joimt to partake of the luxury facilities.