ANSTO ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS GOVERNMENT INADEQUATELY MANAGING NUCLEAR RADIATION

November 19, 2019

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) annual report exposes the Government’s failure to ensure the safe management of nuclear radiation, outlining a number of incidences and breaches.
 
The report outlines that there was “personal confirmation to one staff and direct exposure to contaminated pot of two staff. Additionally, ANSTO was found in breach of its licences on six occasions.”
ANSTO ANNUAL REPORT, 19 NOVEMBER 2019
 
It is incumbent on the Federal Government to explain what measures it has in place to ensure the safe use, handling and storage of nuclear substances in Australia.
 
Currently its response is inadequate.
 
The accidents as reported in the 2018-19 annual report follow the revelations of 600 nuclear related incidents Australia in 2017, as recorded by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), with examples of skin exposure, contamination, spillages, and double doses.
 
The Government must stem the increase in radiation incidents which have doubled since the Liberals were elected in 2013.
 
The 2018 ARPANSA report is understood to be released in December 2019.
 
Australians depend on nuclear technology for medicines used in the diagnosis of heart disease, skeletal injuries as well as a range of cancers. The community must be assured nuclear substances and waste is handled sagely and with care.  
 
An independent review by Professor Andrew Hopkins, which reported in October 2018, was commissioned to look at safety at ANSTO. Despite recommending the Federal Government commit to a replacement facility for Building 23, as soon as practicable, the Government has no plans to do anything.
 
The Government must stop with its cuts to science, research and innovation.
 
It must fix the issues it already faces at ANSTO and the many other locations around the country where radioactive waste is currently managed.