re: you want more? costello getting serious- just Costello flags...

re: you want more? costello getting serious- just Costello flags Constitutional argument for more uranium

The Federal Government has given more details of its plans to ensure the supply of Australian uranium can meet export demand.

Australia is moving to export uranium to China and Taiwan, making Australia the world's largest supplier of the material.

The Prime Minister yesterday hinted the Government was examining ways it could sideline any state Labor government that blocked a new uranium mine under the ALP's no new mines policy.

Today, Treasurer Peter Costello revealed the Commonwealth could invoke powers under the Constitution to override the states.

"It may be argued that under our trade and commerce power and it may be argued under our external affairs power that the Commonwealth has the ability to facilitate the trade and commerce of uranium and the export of uranium," he said.

Labor

The Northern Territory Chief Minister has again refused to state her personal position in Labor's uranium mining debate.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann says the three mines policy should be scrapped.

Western Australia's Alan Carpenter and Queensland's Peter Beattie say their states will not open new mines, regardless of what the federal party decides.

Clare Martin says that as a Labor Party member she supports the status quo.

"What I have to say very clearly is my position that I support the Labor Party's no new mines policy," she said.

"That I am aware of the current discussion that it will be up for debate, I can't say for certain, at the next Labor Party federal conference and certainly I hope I'll be part of that debate."


Gunna be a WIIIIIIILD ride!