"The draft report also seems to base at least some of its assessments on false assumptions – for example the assessment of the viability of nuclear power for Australia is based on assumptions about a substantial increase in power consumption in Australia,” ECNT Uranium Campaigner Emma King said.

“What the government should be doing to address climate change is ensure that our power consumption does not increase – through the adoption of energy efficiency and demand management – and if it does, the need should be met with renewables, not nuclear.

“As the report itself concludes, even if Australia was to build 25 nuclear reactors by 2050 it would only cut Australia 's emissions by between 8-18%. At the same time, energy efficiency and renewables could cut our emissions by 30% by 2020."

Ms King said “The draft report’s analysis of the uranium mining industry is woefully mis-informed, concluding that the industry poses little threat to the environment.

“Even the most recent attempts at rehabilitating a uranium mine (Narbalek in Arnhemland) have failed, and Ranger mine operators ERA/Rio Tinto have to contain the radioactive tailings at closure for 10,000 years – an outcome which, even if attempted in good faith, is impossible to guarantee.

“The report also lends support to the concept of nuclear fuel leasing which could see Australia committed to taking back any waste created from the use of our uranium – including high-level waste from nuclear power plants. If the Commonwealth waste dump were to be built in the NT, this high level waste would end up here!"

Further comment: Emma King – 8981 1984 / 0428 818 109