The establishment of the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency in Adelaide to manage South Australia's National Radioactive Waste Management Facility is another positive step to support the development of a high-tech Australian nuclear industry, especially life-saving nuclear medicine.
Australia's world-class medical research reactor at Lucas Heights produces vital nuclear medicines and procedures which will be used by one in two Australians during their lifetime, and the new facility will play an important part in developing Australia's nuclear technology expertise.
Australia's vast uranium resources and exports support zero emissions power generation abroad and nuclear medicine and research at home.
Yet Australia's current ban on nuclear energy and technologies prohibits the development of significant new advanced nuclear industries, particularly affordable zero emission 24/7 power supplies.
In contrast, Canada - which has embraced nuclear technologies in addition to uranium mining - is a world leader with its nuclear sector employing around 60,000 Canadians in highly skilled, highly paid jobs.
The new waste facility in South Australia along with the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency also shows that nuclear technologies can be safely managed and supported by informed local communities.
