The backflip occurred quicker than anticipated. Mr Mike Rann, The South Australian Premier, has declared he wants a referendum on the issue of nuclear power for South Australia. This comes after a week earlier saying it would be an "all-round disaster" if a plant was built in his state.
Mr Rann told Australian Nuclear Energy Pty Ltd, the private company behind building the proposed nuclear power plant in Australia, that "My message to this company is 'you've got zero chance of building a nuclear power plant in South Australia; you'll have to look elsewhere'.". Now Mr Rann wants a state referendum on nuclear power if the Federal Government moves to override state bans on nuclear power plants.
Given the fact that the nuclear power industry has a history of accidents and the people who suffer most if an accident does happen are those living closest to the nuclear power plant, it is logical that decisions concerning the construction and operation of reactors should be taken by public referendums. Dangers have been reduced, we are told, with advanced technology, but the fear remains.
I think both Mr Rann and Mr Bracks (Victorian Premier) have made the correct decision in allowing the public to speak. An earlier decision by Mr Rann would have improved is credibility, but I'm pleased he was strong enough to reverse his decision. Speculation on 5AA, a South Australian local talk back station, that this announcement of a referendum is to divert attention of the job losses of hundreds of Holden workers in Adelaide northern suburbs could have been avoided and demonstrated a stronger government to the South Australian voters.
South Australians are after a strong leader, and both the current government and opposition party are not providing it.
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