Government Response Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission | Page 3

Premier’s foreword

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission presented all
South Australians with an opportunity to discuss in detail
the risks and opportunities of our state becoming further
involved in nuclear activities. I want to thank the former
Commissioner, Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce
AC CSC RAN (Rtd), for providing the community with an
outstanding evidence-based factual resource on which
to base its conversations.
The report was the foundation for the largest
consultation program in our state’s history.
Thank you to all the South Australians who
took part in this important conversation.
Each of the 12 recommendations has been
carefully considered. This report provides a
detailed response to each of them.
Of key interest to the community was the
discussion over the storage and disposal of
used nuclear fuel from overseas countries. After
considerable statewide discussion, community
feedback and detailed investigation, it is
clear that there is a diversity of views in the
community about this proposal.
Having considered all the community feedback,
the government has decided that discussion
should continue on a proposed nuclear
waste facility.
The government has also concluded that
the only path forward is the restoration of
bipartisanship and broad social consent,
secured through a statewide referendum.
Continued public debate about South
Australia’s role in the nuclear fuel cycle is
important and ultimately it is a matter that the
people should decide.
The government supports the Royal
Commission’s recommendations to grow
our mining sector through investment and
streamlining approvals, as well as to ensure
responsibility for remediation.

The government will also collaborate on energy
and low-carbon policies and seek to capitalise
on commercialisation opportunities at the
South Australian Health and Medical Research
Institute (SAHMRI). I appreciate the extensive
community input and contribution to this
decision-making process.
South Australia faces significant economic
challenges. We are now transitioning to a
modern and innovative economy, and we must
look ahead.
The Royal Commission outlined the risks and
opportunities of further engagement in the
nuclear fuel cycle, and how this could benefit
the state, both financially and in job creation.
The report made a substantial contribution
to our state, and opened the doors to a wide
range of possible nuclear, resource and energy
options for all South Australians to consider.
As detailed in this document, the government
has decided to support nine of the Royal
Commission’s 12 recommendations. The
supported recommendations will grow the
state’s prosperity and wellbeing and play an
important role in our economic transition.

Jay Weatherill
Premier of South Australia

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