Fed: Howard supports plebiscites on nuclear power plants

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2007
Fed: Howard supports plebiscites on nuclear power plants

Reissuing, recasting lead par



SYDNEY, Aug 23 AAP - Australians should be able to vote in local plebiscites on whether
nuclear reactors should be sited in their communities, Prime Minister John Howard says.

The announcement comes one day after Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile said locally
binding plebiscites could decide the future of nuclear power in Australia.

While Mr Vaile appeared at odds with the prime minister, Mr Howard today came out in
support of the idea today.

Speaking at the Nepean Rowing Club in Penrith in Sydney's west, Mr Howard told reporters
the nuclear question was at least a decade away.

"When the time does come for plants to be considered in particular parts of Australia,
I believe local communities should be given a vote and I think having a plebiscite in
a local community would be a good demonstration to the rest of the nation," he said.

But last week, Mr Howard told parliament commercial investors, not politicians would
determine the location of nuclear reactors.

"(It is my) opinion that in 10, 15, 20 years time, public opinion will have shifted
on this issue and people will see nuclear power as a very sensible alternative," he said
today.

AAP ig/nap/wjf/maur/de

KEYWORD: NUCLEAR HOWARD (REISSUING)

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