Archive - Dec 2008

MELBOURNE, 9 DECEMBER. Australia's nuclear treaties Inquiry offers a chance to call for a strengthened South Pacific Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone, MAPW members heard last night.

Associate Professor Michael Hamel-Green, Australia's foremost expert on nuclear weapons-free zones (NWFZs), was the guest speaker at a well-attended Victorian Branch dinner. 

(UPDATED 24 MARCH 2009) Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has published 78 public submissions to its Inquiry into all the international nuclear treaties involving Australia.

French nuclear veterans have strongly criticised a proposed new law covering compensation for survivors of French nuclear testing in Algeria and French Polynesia. The law would cover former nuclear workers and military personnel whose health was affected by French nuclear tests - but survivors say few people would be eligible.

The Medical Association for Prevention of War has called on the Australian Government to help secure an end to the Israeli Government’s crippling blockade of Gaza.

MAPW President Dr Sue Wareham OAM says that the blockade is a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions, with recent reports indicating that life for Gaza residents is becoming intolerable.