future of uranium mining in wa

ABC ON LINE
Last Update: Wednesday, August 24, 2005. 7:47am (AEST)
Uranium debate to heat up in WA Parliament
The Western Australian Opposition is facing more division within its own ranks in Parliament today over the prospect of uranium mining in WA.

Liberal MP and former Opposition leader Colin Barnett has announced he will move a motion in the Lower House of Parliament this afternoon, calling on the State Government to lift its ban on uranium mining.

Labor will use its majority to defeat the motion, but the debate is set to divide the Opposition, which is yet to declare its policy on uranium mining.

While Mr Barnett is a strong advocate, current Liberal leader Matt Birney has previously said he is against uranium mining.

Premier Geoff Gallop was this week forced to reiterate Labor's view, after two Upper House backbenchers called for the issue to be further explored.