By Steve Painter
Sections of the Labor Party right are continuing to press for a full-scale debate on uranium at the ALP's national conference, which begins in Hobart on June 24 — despite the fact that important right-wing figures have indicated they would prefer not to raise the issue.
While the centre-left and right factions are divided both on the question of whether to change the existing three-mine policy and whether to raise the issue at conference, there is little doubt the right could get the numbers with some vigorous arm-twisting.
However, right-wing supporters of Bob Hawke and even leaders of the NSW right are not enthusiastic about the prospect of yet another round of public brawling on one of the most divisive issues in ALP politics for the past 15 years.
A bitter clash at the conference wouldn't help Hawke's desperate scramble to rebuild his own and the government's image in the wake of the Keating leadership challenge.
Uranium is listed for mention on the last day of the conference because the review committee appointed by the previous conference must report back, but this doesn't mean the conference must take any action.
The push for a change of policy is coming from diehard pro-uranium elements and some Keating supporters seeking to embarrass Hawke and possibly destabilise his alliance with the Labor left, which was essential to his victory over Keating. The pro-uranium forces could press to have the issue brought forward from the last day.
On the other hand, much of the right believes there is little point bringing on the issue now, while world uranium markets are glutted and economic prospects for new mines would be limited.