Protest planned against nuclear ship visit

Protest planned against nuclear ship visit

By Alex Bainbridge and Jeroen Benes

HOBART — Activists and progressive groups have vowed to protest against two US nuclear warships due to arrive here in the next month. The first ship is scheduled to arrive on November 12, departing on November 16.

Dates are not confirmed for the second ship's visit.

The groups opposing the visits include Everyone for a Nuclear Free Future (ENuFF), Ecofleet, Health Professionals for Global Responsibility, Resistance, Democratic Socialist Party and the Greens.

ENuFF spokesperson Valentina Marshall told Green Left: "Aside from issues of safety, we have a global responsibility not to support the nuclear industry. By allowing nuclear ships to use our port facilities, we are supporting the nuclear cycle, which endangers everyone throughout the world."

Tony Iltis from ENuFF added, "Nuclear ships are only one part of the nuclear cycle. We should be protesting against all aspects, including uranium mining at Jabiluka and the existing uranium mines. Australia should simply get out of the nuclear cycle because the dangers are astronomical and the benefits practically nil."

The nuclear warship visits will be the first to Hobart since the election of the state Labor government. Labor's policy contains ambiguous clauses but states that Tasmania should have no part in the nuclear cycle.

Premier Jim Bacon has announced that the ALP will change its policy to make clear that it welcomes nuclear ship visits. Greens MP Peg Putt criticised the ALP for changing its policy within such a short time of being elected.

A big rally is being organised for noon, November 14, at the Parliament lawns. There will be an action when the ships arrive on November 12. Activists are preparing street theatre and banner drops to highlight the issue.

From GLW issue 338