FOR MEDIA 1 MAY 1986
I hayve sent the following letter today to the Honourable
Member for Kooyong.
" Dear Mr Peacock
Further to my answer to your Question without Notice in the
House today on the Chernobyl nuclear accident, I hereby
provide supplementary information on the points you raised.
AS I mentioned in my answer, the Government has been taking
action specifically to address the most immediate concerns
of the health and safety of Australians in the affected
area. We have been in contact with the appropriate overseas
authorities who have access to the relevant data. We have
also been in touch with the International Atomic Energy
Agency ( IAEA).
The Department of Foreign Affairs is co-ordinating
Australia's international response at this stage. All
relevant technical agencies are being kept fully informed
and are a major source of advice. Australia has a
deservedly high reputation for its active commitment and
contribution to nuclear safeguards, as well as the safety
and health aspects of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Although there is no multilateral mechanism which requires
the Soviet Union to seek international assistance in the
event of an accident, the IAEA has radiation emergency
assistance procedures which can be activated at the request
of a member state requiring emergency assistance.
The IAEA, in conjunction with other international
organisations, has also established strict safety standards
for the nuclear industry. The USSR is a member of the
Agency. Adherence to these standards is not mandatory but
it is the normal practice of Western countries, including
Australia, to use them as benchmarKs for regulating their
nuclear industries. The IAEA and other international
organisations have also established international benchmarks
in radiation protection.
I 2
Australia over the years has supported efforts by the IAEA
to create an international nuclear safety convention seeking
to avoid and if necessary cope with disasters such as that
at C-hernobyl. Regrettably they have not yet received the
necessary widespread international support.
The Government believes that the need for international
arrangements should be examined again, particularly in the
areas of early warning and emergency assistance. It is
considering an initiative for multilateral measures to that
end which would be promoted bilaterally as well.
I should like to thank you again for your constructive
contribution to the national debate on this serious and
dis. turbing issue.
Yours sincerely
R. J. L. Hawke
The Hon. Andrew Peacock, MP
Member for Kooyong
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600"