"On his way into the conference, Mr Beattie said that while he...

"On his way into the conference, Mr Beattie said that while he opposed the proposed policy change, if the conference voted in favour of it he would adhere to it."

And some m0r0ns still remain sceptical?????


----------------------------------------------------
Uranium mine ban curbing wealth: Swan

April 27, 2007 - 10:34AM
AdvertisementAdvertisement

Dumping Labor's long-held ban on more uranium mines will help create more wealth for Australians, opposition treasury spokesman Wayne Swan says.

Labor Party members this weekend will vote on a controversial push to end the ALP's 25-year ban on new uranium mines, with many members including Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and his Western Australian counterpart Alan Carpenter opposed to the change.

Mr Swan stressed that changing Labor's policy would help Australia become wealthier by boosting exports.

Asked what would happen if the Labor conference passed the new uranium policy but Queensland and WA refused to allow uranium mining in their states, Mr Swan replied: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it".

"But we are absolutely committed to changing the platform on uranium because it's an essential part of creating wealth, lifting exports for this country.

"There will be no retreat. We will move and win this debate."

Mr Swan's comments came after he outlined Labor's economic policy to party delegates at the ALP national conference, which began in Sydney on Friday.

The economic policy focuses on ensuring Australia's economic prosperity is sustained by improving education and skills, developing better infrastructure and a new export strategy.

"Creating wealth is our number one objective," Mr Swan said.

"Creating a prosperous society without throwing the fair go out the back door is our central objective and it's reflected in this platform."

Mr Swan said Australia's mining boom had camouflaged Australia's current economic problems and the federal government's failure to address climate change sooner.

He said the environment and the economy were intertwined, warning the economy could suffer because of the effects of climate change.

"It's not a question of a choice between the economy on one side, the environment on the other," he said.

"If the predictions about dangerous climate change in terms of its impact on water, the tourist industry and so on come to pass as the scientists expect, that's the biggest threat to prosperity into the future."

Mr Swan said Labor was ready to fight the government on its economic credentials ahead of the federal election.

"They don't have the political strength on the economy that they pretend because their complacency and inaction in so many policy areas endangers our future, puts our future at risk," he said.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says he will abide by the decision if Labor decides to overturn the ban, even though he's against such a move.

On his way into the conference, Mr Beattie said that while he opposed the proposed policy change, if the conference voted in favour of it he would adhere to it.

"If the decision's left to us, then there won't be uranium mining," Mr Beattie told reporters to loud chants from anti-uranium protesters.

"The important thing is if there's a national approach we'll follow it. But if not, then we will stick with the existing position in Queensland.

"If there's a national policy that lifts the number of mines that will mean more uranium mining in South Australia. If the position is it's left to Queensland, then we won't mine uranium."

Mr Beattie also said the three-day conference highlighted it was time for a fresh start for Labor.

"I think the most important thing that will come out of the conference is not just the debates but the fact that this is a fresh start for the Labor Party," he said.

"We've got a new leader, a leader with ideas who's fresh.

"That's all we wanted.

"Australia wants a change. I mean it is time. I know it's the old slogan, but it is time for change and Kevin Rudd offers a fresh approach."