The ETU has called on delegates to ALP conference to oppose the sale of uranium to countries, such as India, who are not signatory to the nuclear non proliferation treaty.

According to National Secretary, Peter Tighe, the current ALP policy on the mining and export of uranium should not be changed.

“We take this view out of concern for the occupational health and safety of workers who will be working with the uranium mined in Australia and for future generations who will have to deal with the legacy of uranium mining and fuel waste.

“We are also worried about what will happen to the uranium once it leaves our shores and that Australia will be responsible for storing the waste once countries such as India have finished with it, he said.

“We have produced an educational DVD, titled “When the Dust Settles” which has been distributed to our members.  And now we have provided a copy to all ALP Conference delegates.

“After watching this DVD we hope that delegates will be convinced to vote not to change ALP policy.

“It’s not often that you get to cast a vote on an issue that will impact on generations.  Once a vote is cast in favour of expanding uranium exports there is no going back – the genie will be out of the bottle.

“We are asking delegates to vote with their conscience and make their vote count to protect generations to come.