Wednesday, October 15, 2008

NUCLEAR ESSAY

NUCS ARTICLE

For: Nuclear Free Australia
http://www.nukefreeaus.org/

Word count: 2634
Purpose: To target some mags to publish the article.

TOPIC: “The push to expand uranium mining and its connection with the international push to expand nuclear energy for the purposes of being part of the mix to solve climate change.”

THE EXPANSION OF URANIUM MINING AND NUCLEAR ENERGY TO SOLVE CLIMATE CHANGE!

Nuclear mining and nuclear energy has been a topical issue for decades, as campaigners and green peace activists it is not only our job to try and stop this but it is our duty. Many of us can only relate to nuclear energy or products from the popular T.V sitcom, The Simpsons, of which the creators tend to make the whole issue of nuclear energy and uranium mining as a satire, if not comical, sweep under the carpet kind of a joke really of what could be the future of our lives or the choice of occupations we hold if we don’t take our life and our world seriously. Not to mention the often picked on Homer Simpson, who can only get a position of employment at a nuclear plant because he has no other serious prospects or qualifications? Billions of people I imagine watch The Simpsons every week all across the world and what do you suppose the image of this portrays? Not only is television being used to undermine the seriousness of uranium mining and nuclear energy, they are mocking it and teaching our children that it is okay, that this is the way things are done and will be done and that there is not that much ramifications about it, that it is big business and its ok and well if Homer Simpson holds, that position of looking after a nuclear plant than it mustn’t be that bad after all? Well, in my opinion that is the reflection of it and what is being generated out there! But as we take a closer look, yes a big greedy cold hearted business man owns the plant and a foolish uneducated man (Homer Simpson) is in charge of supervising its safety. What does that tell us about reality? Does this really happen in the real world that uneducated people look after the nuclear plants, and if so, then we have to wonder how do they manage it? Or is it just all a joke? When will it be taken seriously? If anything children aren’t stupid and if they are responsible for taking over from us then they will know that by watching The Simpsons that yes a greedy cold hearted man who doesn’t care about children or their workers is running the nuclear plant or else if he cared he would not place someone like Homer Simpson in charge of its safety! But is Homer Simpson really as stupid as he is being portrayed as? Often in episodes of The Simpsons, we see Homer always being a bit goofy and “drifting off on the job” and “coming in late for work”, “eating on the job”, “creating accidents” or “forgetting his job”, but whenever disaster occurs (notice there is always a disaster occurring on the plant, almost in every episode), who saves the day? You got it! It is always Homer Simpson.

I believe the television sitcom; The Simpsons can teach us a lot of things. If in nearly every episode there is a nuclear disaster occurring or some possible devastation likely to occur, than just maybe our children will pick that up as serious and start to think that, ‘Hey, maybe nuclear plants aren’t so great?” and if Homer Simpson is always saving the day (an average man and not the rich man who owns it), then maybe our children will start to think, “Hey, if Homer Simpson can fix the problem, maybe I can do something about it too!’.

Well, running a nuclear plant and overseeing its safety in regards to nuclear energy and uranium mining, may not be deemed as a serious occupation for The Simpsons, but it is serious to our families and our world if we do not take responsibility of our own backyard, and make it a growing interest or concern for the well being of our families our nation and our world. We can do this by stepping up to the plate and taking some action, even if it is writing a letter to parliament or signing a petition (Go to http://www.gopetition.com.au/ for a free sign up or to create your own petition).
Then that is what we all need to do, if we want to see industries and big corporations change in the way they operate and dump waste so the devastating problem and aftermath affect such as the green house affect, is not dumped on our children and our children’s children doorstep and back yard to fix. It is our problem to fix it and we need to fix it, today, before it gets too big.

Currently one area that the world is trying to find better ways of doing things (or so they think), is to push to expand uranium mining around the world, as a reader what do you think about this? If you are reading this article, no doubt you have some concern for our environment or your desire to see a positive change implemented in the way we look after our land, or that you are trying to find out a bit more about it, well good for you, if you are reading this article, it means you care and no it isn’t good to see our natural water catchments, being polluted, our wildlife being destroyed and our natural eco systems being ignored for the profit that comes with industrialisation and privatisation of big business. What does profit get you anyway? Who does it actually help? Who is it destroying? How can we help? The real question is how do we stop the push to expand uranium mining, and how can we save our animals, our natural beauty and our lives in the process?

The sad thing is these global organisations, don’t believe what they are doing is actually wrong, they really do think that they are creating solutions to the problem of climate change. We as consumers and activists do, why does that seem odd? Not only are they trying to push to expand uranium mining on an international scale, they are also trying to expand nuclear energy and what they say the reasons for doing this is for the “purposes of being part of the mix to solve climate change.” Is there something wrong with this thinking? How can by expanding nuclear plants and uranium mining solve the problem of climate change when it is in my opinion, exactly what contributed to the problem to begin with! As well as that, how is it interconnected?
Another area that may interest you is that not only does organisations believe what they are doing is wrong, they are encouraging investors to also believe that what they are doing is wrong. From a recent article published by The Age, in August of this year, written by Frances Howe, “Uranium mining, nuclear power and 'ethical' investment”, tells that most fund managers do question their investment and that even though investment in this area has risen, it is because big companies such as BHP endorse its effectiveness, and says its ok to invest. “The primary reason for the shift is probably BHP Billiton's entry into the uranium industry with its 2005 acquisition of WMC Resources, which owns the Olympic Dam uranium mine in South Australia (Howe, 2008).”
The article further tells us that out “of 16 ethical investment funds studied, just two allow absolutely no investment in uranium or nuclear power. According to the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia, Australian responsible investment portfolios grew from $4.5 billion to $17.1 billion from 2004 to 2007 (Howe, 2008).
This is a typical example that money speaks louder than words. It is big business that’s all it is, of which is apparently worth, $2 Trillon worldwide, who wouldn’t invest in it? Do you think that the real push is the fact they are white washing the truth to such investors by making them believe, “Hey, it’s for a good cause, its to help climate change!” and by supporting this we will get the big boys (BHP) to jump on board and that will say it is ok? I mean people aren’t stupid, they were waking up, investors were waking up and from what the above article describes they were starting to ask the big question, “How can nuclear energy and uranium mining be any good for the environment, and contribute to the solution of climate change?”, but as soon as too many investors were asking the question, bang, along comes BHP and they all drop their money in the bag!
So you are probably asking, what can we do about it? Well we can follow Friends of the Earths suggestion, (May, 2007) and become a “united front against uranium mining, exports and nuclear energy.” We can sign a petition, write an article or protest outside BHP! Set up a website and tell all our friends and family and whoever we know to go green, we can contact Greenpeace, Friends of the earth and other campaign groups and take some action. For example in 2006, “Greenpeace Australia Pacific, The Wilderness Society, the Australian Conservation Foundation and 13 other groups have spelt out the environment movements’ opposition to all aspects of the nuclear industry (FOE, 2006).” And almost a year later, it looks like we will have to unite again! Friends of the earth, believes, “Support for uranium mining and its export means support for a dangerous and environmentally destructive process to generate nuclear energy and develop nuclear weapons,” of which The Wilderness Society’s national campaigns director Alec Marr said (FOE, 2006).”
And furthermore, “Nuclear energy is no solution to climate change. Even if there was a doubling of global nuclear energy output by 2050 it would only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 per cent,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Chief Executive Steve Shallhorn said. “Nuclear power poses unacceptable proliferation and security risks, it is not clean, it is not cheap, and there is no solution to the intractable problem of nuclear waste (FOE, 2006).”
The Australian Greens also agree in destroying uranium mining and demolishing the use of nuclear energy. The Greens say on their website (http://greens.org.au/) “The Australian Greens want to end uranium mining and export in Australia. Uranium mining is the first link in the dirty and dangerous nuclear chain, providing the fuel for nuclear reactors, fission nuclear weapons and depleted uranium weapons. Its end product is radioactive waste. Over half of the world’s uranium is in Australia and Canada, and most of Australia's richest uranium deposits are located on land which is owned, claimed or occupied by Aboriginal people. Once uranium leaves Australian shores, the Federal Government cannot actually control its use in nuclear arms manufacture or testing despite claims that safeguards agreements will achieve this.”
We may all be aware of the dangerous uranium deal (the Nuclear Co-operation Agreement with Russia) that was made by the Howard’s government with Russia in 2007, where Prime Minister John Howard and Russia’s Vladimir Putin were to ratify, lets hope that while it is still on the table, that our new government Mr. Kevin Rudd, will refuse to sign it. The Australian Greens say, “This is a bad deal for Australia, and there is no guarantee Australian uranium won’t be used to free up Russian domestic uranium for their weapons programme,” said Australian Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues, Senator Scott Ludlam (The Australian Greens, 2008).”
The nuclear fact is, “A doubling of nuclear power would reduce global greenhouse emissions by only 5%. Uranium is also a finite resource, just as fossil fuels are (Green, 2006).”
Furthermore, The Australian Greens, state that “that modest climate dividend assumes that coal is the reference point. But compared to most renewable energy sources and to energy efficiency measures, nuclear power produces more greenhouse emissions per unit energy produced or saved, in addition to its legacy of nuclear waste and the weapons proliferation risks (Greens, 2006).”
Either way, most people agree that nuclear power is not the answer. Professor Ian Lowe, President
of the Australian Conservation Foundation quotes: “Nuclear is not the answer because:
Nuclear power emits large amounts of greenhouse gases through mining, milling and transport;
Nuclear power is highly dangerous, unsafe and has considerable health risks;
Nuclear energy uses lots of water;
The cost of nuclear energy is significantly higher than that of renewable energy.”
From the same Council’s, they’re research, says that there are currently 442 working nuclear power plants throughout the world, of which provide 16% of the world's electricity and only 2.5% of global energy demand. A number of environmental problems are evident in the usage of nuclear power (Conservation Council, 2008).
It is a known fact that Australia is fast becoming a dumping ground for nuclear waste. It is a prominent topic on the news with the Rudd government “ruling out accepting nuclear waste from other countries”. Nuclear waste is a big enough issue for “the Rudd government to have to review their involvement” (couriermail.com.au) in the matter, as said at an international nuclear forum, just recently. That means to look at the damages it is having on our environment on an international scale!
What does this mean for us, as participants in this world? After reading this article, is there a way of really stopping it? Or should we just join the, ‘big deal if it doesn’t concern me, so why care?’ group, or ‘I don’t see it, it isn’t in my backyard, so really why am I even reading this article!’...well if you thought any of those thoughts, or similar they are all good points….seriously we don’t much think about things like this on a daily basis do we? I mean do we really get up everyday and say, “Hey, I wonder what has been dumped in my backyard? I wonder if it is green and icky, I wonder if it is nuclear waste, cool!” No we don’t! And the closest thing to nuclear reactors and waste we know, as from reading this article, is the one we see Homer Simpson operating in the popular US comic sitcom, The Simpsons.
This brings us to a bit of an issue, doesn’t it? If it isn’t happening in our backyard and we can’t see it, should we really care? Well my answer to that is absolutely! The debate about radioactive or nuclear waste being dumped continues, as well as the debate on climate change, nuclear energy and uranium mining. It is not only an issue for Australians to fight in order to protect our lives and our future but it is a global fight to save mankind! It may not be affecting us right now because we can’t see it, but it is definitely affecting us everyday, just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it is not happening.
An ABC news article (June 2008) quotes: “Apart from radioactive waste from uranium mines, usually dealt with by the mines themselves, Professor Johnston estimates there are around 500 stockpiles of low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste scattered around Australia.” And now we have to deal with international treaties signed between governments to increase uranium mining and to increase the building of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy plants. When will it ever stop and when will we ever be given a break in regards to nuclear waste, energy and uranium mining? When will the government come up with a real solution to a real issue? Rather than white washing it, and sugar-coating the solution of climate change to be nuclear energy and uranium mining? It is a real problem, with real solutions that do not have to be attached to nuclear stuff. Why try solving the problem with deceit by created dissolutions to the very people that have the power and resources to make real positive changes? So what will you do to make a real difference?
Bibliography

Antinuclear Australia, (2008) Nuclear Wastes, Accessed: Tuesday, 9 September 2008[found at] http://antinuclear.net/Aust%20-%20wastes.htm


Conservation Council, (2008), Natural Resource Management and Climate Change [On line] Monday, 13 October 2008, Accessed at: http://www.consact.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=32

Couriermail.com.au. (2008), Australia won't accept nuclear waste, says government. Accessed: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 [found at] http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24022857-5012321,00.html

Friends of the Earth, (2006), United front against uranium mining, exports and nuclear energy [May, 8th, 2006] [On line] Monday, 13 October 2008 Accessed at:
http://www.foe.org.au/media-releases/2006-media-releases/mr_08_05_06.htm


Green J, (2006), Nuclear Power and Climate Change, (Jim Green www.energyscience.org.au) Monday, 13 October 2008[On line] Accessed at:

http://www.energyscience.org.au/FS03%20Nucl%20Power%20Clmt%20Chng.pdf
Green Left On line, (2008) The nuclear 'solution' to climate change (3 May 2008)
[On line] Accessed on: Monday, 13 October 2008. Found at:http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/749/38742

Global Climate Change Action, (2008), The fate of the earth is in our hands, [On line] Monday, 13 October 2008, Accessed at: http://globalclimatechangeaction.org/
Howe, F, (2008) Uranium mining, nuclear power and 'ethical' investment, [The Age News; 19th August, 2008 at 12:33pm AEST] Monday, 13 October 2008 [0n line] Accessed at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/19/2339607.htm

The Australian Greens, (2008), Uranium Mining, Monday, 13 October 2008[On line] Accessed at:http://greensmps.org.au/taxonomy/term/667/all?page=1

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Article from a anti - nuclear website friends of the earth

Monday, 4 August 2008

Anti-nuclear and Clean Energy Campaign Home

Friends of the Earth Anti-nuclear and Clean Energy Collective is actively campaigning for a nuclear free future. In order to create an environmentally sustainable and socially just world we need to end uranium mining, stop dumping of radioactive wastes, prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ban the irradiation of food.
We work with local and indigenous groups who are directly impacted by nuclear developments. Friends of the Earth has been involved in research, education and campaigning on nuclear issues in Australia since 1973.
We oppose all aspects of the nuclear cycle and promote safe, environmentally friendly and socially just alternatives. At a time when there is a strong federal government and industry push for the expansion of the nuclear industry, increased interest in new mines and talk of nuclear power being the answer to climate change we reinforce the fact that there is no safe use of uranium.
Nuclear power once hoped to be safe and �??too cheap to meter�?? has proven to be dirty, dangerous and expensive and the proliferation of nuclear weapons poses a major threat to life on this planet.Australia�??s involvement in the mining and export of uranium creates a radioactive legacy at every mine site and fuels radioactive impacts around the world. Radioactive waste and nuclear weapons are both creations of the uranium industry and the nuclear fuel cycle.
As the current debate over mining and the nuclear industry heats up we must make sure these basic facts are not lost. Australia�??s nuclear industry is unsafe, unclean, unwanted and unnecessary.
We meet every Wednesday night at 6.30pm upstairs at Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith St, Collingwood and welcome new faces.
For more information contact Michaela:p: (03) 94198700 or 0429 136 935e: ace@foe.org.auw: www.foe.org.au
Go to website: http://sydney.foe.org.au/nuclear/media/eppr.html for a historical review of how nuclear started.

Hiroshima day 2008 March

Rally for Peace and a Nuclear Free Future!

The Hiroshima Day March was about saying no to no uranium mining, no war and no nuclear weapons! In protest people rallied for peace and a nuclear free future at the State Library on Saturday 9th August, 2008 at 1 pm. This is in support and tribute of the many lives that were lost unnecessarily in 1945, when the US Military force dropped bombs on Hiroshima City and three days later on Nagasaki in Japan, resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 people and the serious injury of many more. The consequences of the US governments decision to do this has, had drastic worldwide ramifications which we still have to deal with today. The campaign has many who support that abolishment of nuclear activity, some who showed up was Friends of the Earth, Melbourne, Socialist Alternative; Socialist Alliance Resistence and Unity for Peace and the Refugee Action Collective. There were perhaps about 7 stalls of campaign organizations, petitioning against nuclear weapons. The march ended at the Melbourne Town Hall where a campaign group the Japanese of Peace, ended the march with a peace festival between 3 – 5 pm at Melbourne Town hall, with acoustic music and dance.
The Nuclear Free Australia rally for peace was an exciting day and NFA invited many who marched the streets of Melbourne carrying red flags. Some of the highlights were the many guest speakers. Michaela Stubbs from Friends of the Earth Melbourne; Victorian Greens of MLC Southern Metropolitan Region and Ben Peterson of the Melbourne Stop War Coalition, were some of the rally speakers who voiced their concerns.
A media ensemble gathered as well as many among the police. The protest was peaceful with no disruptions from anyone, except that the State Library told the campaigners that they were not allowed to stick posters on the marble statutes. The whole campaign took 3 hours, where I assisted the NUCS set up and shut down, their stall, hold the banner as a backdrop behind the stall and the speakers on the steps and assisted in cleaning the grounds of the library of rubbish and posters off their property. I also handed flyers out at the peace festival advertising the NUCS comedy benefit in September.

Media clips and websites

Hiroshima day websites video clips:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=x9lwvImJqT0

My nuclear petition:


http://www.gopetition.com.au/online/21811.html.


http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=92-DGQw4TNk

Newspaper article

TOPIC: NUCLEAR WASTE

Nuclear waste leading into the idea of student campaigning…..
Written by, Anonymous (Diploma of Community Development)

Tuesday, 9 September 2008 7:58:34 PM

It is a known fact that Australia is fast becoming a dumping ground for nuclear waste. It is a prominent topic on the news with the Rudd government “ruling out accepting nuclear waste from other countries”. Nuclear waste is a big enough issue for “the Rudd government to have to review their involvement” (couriermail.com.au) in the matter, as said at an international nuclear forum, just recently. That means to look at the damages it is having on our environment on an international scale!
What does this mean for us, as students? How can we stop it? You are probably thinking, ‘big deal if it doesn’t concern me, so why care?’ or ‘I don’t see it, it isn’t in my backyard, so really why am I even reading this article!’...well if you thought any of those thoughts, or similar they are all good points….seriously we don’t much think about things like this on a daily basis do we? I mean do we really get up everyday and say, “Hey, I wonder what has been dumped in my backyard? I wonder if it is green and icky, I wonder if it is nuclear waste, cool!” No we don’t! And the closest thing to nuclear reactors and waste we know is the one we see Homer Simpson operating in the popular US comic sitcom, The Simpsons.
This brings us to a bit of an issue, doesn’t it? If it isn’t happening in our backyard and we can’t see it, should we really care? Well my answer to that is absolutely! The debate about radioactive or nuclear waste being dumped continues. It is not only an issue for Australians to fight in order to protect our lives and our future but it is a global fight to save mankind! It may not be affecting us right now because we can’t see it, but it is definitely affecting us everyday, just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it is not happening.
An ABC news article (June 2008) quotes: “Apart from radioactive waste from uranium mines, usually dealt with by the mines themselves, Professor Johnston estimates there are around 500 stockpiles of low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste scattered around Australia.”
For the past 50 years Australians have been waring to stop nuclear usage and dumping among our shores, with nuclear plants like the Lucas Heights research reactor in Sydney failing to treat the high levels of radioactive waste, and causing nuclear waste being dumped somewhere unknown doesn’t assist in this problem. This negligence is causing nuclear waste short becoming an epidemic, while awaiting processing, nuclear waste never gets processed and leads to mass nuclear waste dumps emerging across Australia, because if the nuclear plants aren’t processing it, then where does the nuclear waste go?.. There is something you can do about it, though, if you are concerned about this issue, as a student you can protest or join a campaign. Campaigning means you get an opportunity to voice yours concerns and fight for what you believe in!

Sources:

Couriermail.com.au. (2008), Australia won't accept nuclear waste, says government. Accessed: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 [found at] http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24022857-5012321,00.html

Antinuclear Australia, (2008) Nuclear Wastes, Accessed: Tuesday, 9 September 2008[found at]http://antinuclear.net/Aust%20-%20wastes.htm

ANTI-NUCLEAR CAMPAIGN INTERVIEW

CAMPAIGN INTERVIEW : Anti - nuclear

Dated: 14/9/08

1.Tell me a bit about yourself
I am 71 years old. 4 children. 4 grandchildren
Have lived in country Victoria for 28 years, (Murray River areas) but now in Melbourne.
Have degrees in education and nursing, and postgraduate diplomas in health information management, and in clinical coding, and some other bits of paper.

Have worked in various areas in education, community health, community education, and more recently in psychiatric and drug/alcohol nursing. Still working part-time in psychiatric area in a public hospital.

Now in Melbourne – obsessed with theatre – see everything I can, play tennis, enjoy all the arts stuff available in the city – and still get to go to outback places, when I can.

2. Why have you chosen to work in campaigning?
I have been interested in “alternative” views since childhood – at my Catholic convent boarding school I noticed very early that, in history lessons, our education “slid past” inconvenient issues such as the Inquisition, witch-burning. I started to think that the really important things were not talked about. “Nice” “ladylike” people did not discuss these important things, - we should be Private and Polite.

I just KNEW that the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was wrong.
Living in the Murray Valley, I learned and saw that we were killing the Murray River.

3. How long have your been campaigning for?
Decades

What campaign are you in at present?
The anti-nuclear campaign.
.
4. You say you are participating in the anti-nuclear campaign. Why?

As I have got older, I have seen the value of compromise, and conciliation – and the “realist-idealist” position. (As an example, I support the Rudd government’s present (Ross Garnaut) position on carbon emissions. I know it’s inadequate, but Rudd would soon be booted out if the position were any stronger, and we then might get an ignorant and climate-denialist government.)

In the context of compromise and conciliation, and “realism-idealism” – uranium mining and nuclear power look OK.
BUT – that doesn’t make them clean or safe.

The likes of me - old – no family responsibilities, obviously must retire soon – we are in a unique position to speak out unambiguously – and somebody has to. The nuclear issue is too serious for compromise or conciliation

5. What is your role in this campaign?

Thank God – She gave us the Internet. My alter ego, Christina Macpherson, runs my antinuclear website, a great ego trip, but it also spreads the message. The message is not so much about anti-nuclear as it is about “think for yourself”. In this conformist nation of Australia, we seem to have bought the idea that only the “experts” can understand complicated problems, and have valid opinions. Christina’s only qualifications are that she can read, write and vote, and that’s all that you need.
I write letters to newspapers, comments on news items
I participate in Friends of the Earth - Sustainable Energy and Anti-Nuclear Campaign – attend meetings, take part in activities.
I occasionally do a bit of public speaking – at events such as Sustainable Living.

I join in marches, rallies, attend public meetings, and sometimes heckle pro-nuclear speakers.

Can anyone get involved? How do they go about it?
Anyone can get involved. The first step is to decide what issue is important to you, and what level of involvement would work for you.

I think that each person should be guided by their own passion – the campaign can be about saving stray cats or anything.
It’s important to be realistic about your situation – about how much time, money, involvement you can put in, and then to set your limits. Campaigning can impinge on relationships, family life, and work considerations.

So – “going about it” is a personal matter. It could mean just writing letters to the local paper, or joining a small action group – such as cleaning up a local beachfront.

For the anti-nuclear movement
Well, everyone is writing their blogs now, and this is a great ego trip, if nothing else.
I think that a good move is to join a local activist group, such as Friends of the Earth, - going to their meetings and joining in their activities.

6. What sorts of things can one do in a campaign?
As a member of an anti-nuclear group, one can do letter-boxing, putting up posters (legally), writing submissions, lobbying politicians, writing letters to newspapers.

Educational stuff: - preparing materials for, and speaking to, school and community groups.

“Out there” stuff – a very important part of campaigning – the visible, irreverent, stuff – running street stalls, putting up posters (illegally), joining in marches and rallies, heckling pro-nuke speakers,

7. Who do you report to? What is the structure of your campaign group?
Antinuclear Australia is a complete farce – it is merely Christina’s website, but I do refer people on to useful groups.

Friends of the Earth – Sustainable Energy and Antinuclear Campaign. I report to the group. It is well run on traditional lines – with a committee structure.


8. Have you been involved in any other campaigns? If so, which ones?
Movement Against Uranium Mining (1970s and 80s)
ACTAC (Australian Children’s Television Action Committee (1970s)
Friends of the Earth – Murray River region (1980s)

9. What do you like about campaigning?
The freedom to say what I think
Most of my friends, my age group, in Melbourne, seem to be contented with supporting football teams, and going to interminable lunches. Campaigning is more fun.
I like knowing that, whatever the outcome, I tried.
As an educational example, especially for my children and grandchildren, I want them to know that you don’t have to be a bystander. You can do something

10. What don’t you like about campaigning?
Campaigning in itself is OK, though sometimes a bit tiring.
What I don’t like is the way that my friends and family regard me as a crank. They are quite happy for me to go to the theatre as often as I like, but complain about my going to activist meetings.

Sometimes I get a bit tired, and feel that I would just like to veg out.

11. Tell me about a time when your campaigning got results?
I believe that I was part of, among thousands of others, bringing about the ALP’s original policy (early 1970’s) against uranium mining

Early 1980’s, I was in court, charged with offences about graffiti – my case got a lot of publicity. I believe that I was one of the many who brought about the national pressure resulting in the French ceasing their nuclear testing in the Pacific.

This might sound like a vague connection, but I believe that the anti-nuclear movement contributed to the 2007 federal election result, especially due to our campaigning in Eastern coast electorates.
I thought that, as one among many thousands, I contributed via the website Antinuclearaustralia – which got a huge amount of visitors daily.

12. Tell me about a time when your campaigning didn’t get results?
As a member of the ALP’s environmental group, I saw our failure as the ALP changed their policy on uranium mining – to the “3 mines” policy.

13. Tell me exactly what steps you took to resolve that?
Left the ALP and joined the Greens

14. What was the basis for that decision?
Gave up on the ALP

15. Describe any campaigning situation or circumstance that made you upset, Why?
I was present in Essendon Town Hall, at an ALP conference attended by thousands. A vote was taken – show of hands – on whether the candidate should be the sitting senator Senator Jean Melzer (anti-nuclear) or the new contender Robert Ray, (pro-nuclear). A sea of hand went up, for the very popular Melzer, and about 3 hands went up for Ray. The executive chose Ray.

16. Have you ever been involved in a campaign that went wrong? If so, can you describe to me what happened?
Not quite sure of the definition of “wrong” here. But I’ll give my interpretation.
I was involved in the ACTAC campaign – aiming to get quality children’s television. It went really well for a while, and we got support from Channel GMV6 Goulburn Valley. Then the ACTAC group decided that they wanted to ban Dr Who. I had to leave the group: I saw it as getting precious, and heading towards censorship. (I loved Dr Who and forced my children to watch it)

17. What would you do if Australia banned people from campaigning?
Go to gaol.

18. How exactly did you do begin to be involved in campaigning?
I joined in “Ban the Bomb” marches with Melbourne University students. Them was the days when students had the time and the money for such extra-curricular stuff.

19. What year was it? Or how long have you been actively campaigning?
1960. For decades, on and off.

20. What sorts of people do you meet while campaigning?
Interesting people. Most campaigners that I meet are in their 30s, - teachers, social workers, professional workers. Also some hippie-ish alternative living people.
I meet a lot of earnest middle-aged pro-nuclear men, who buy the “expert” opinion of the likes of Ziggy Spinowski. After all, he does have a degree in Nuclear Physics, so he must know what is right. We exchange pleasant polite conversation, and agree to differ.


21. Talk about the part you played in campaigning?
Above all, I encourage people to do their own thinking.
Via the website, I spread news, and spread my corny cartoons and graphics.
I have done, and still do, the down to earth stuff – doing the minutes at meetings, letter-boxing, walking in marches, waving banners.
I make the odd poster, write up some educational materials, speak occasionally at meetings, chair them at times.
I have written submissions (e.g for Women’s Electoral Lobby), spoken at public meetings, debated pro-nuke speakers, heckled.
I have done, and still do, the communication and net-working stuff, referring people, connecting groups. Here’s where the website is useful.
I’ve written many letters to newspapers, comments on news, a few web articles.

22. Describe any PROBLEM, situation or task that caused difficulty?
A personal problem really. My family and friends don’t approve of my activities – such as going to meetings and marches. And they think my website is silly, and it probably is.

23. Talk about the ACTION you took to resolve it?
Not resolved.Repeated arguments.

24.Describe the successful RESULT using statistics or figures to illustrate the benefit to the campaign?
Oh dear! You really want statitsitics or figures. Well – all I can think of at this moment is the Antinuclearaustralia website unque visitor figures. They steadily moved up, over 2007, from average 56 per day in June 07 to average 220 per day in November 07 – and dropped off to average 114 per day immediately after Novemeber 24 (election day) Hardly proof of campaign success, but perhaps a one millionth part of the anti-nuclear contribution to the election result.

25. Is there a funny story you would like to share with us that you have experienced during your campaign years?
In 1980, I debated Dr. Leslie Kemeny, at a big public meeting in the National Theatre, organised by Women’s Electoral Lobby. I spoke quietly and very politely. Dr. Kemeny got angry, and at one point, he turned around, and pointed dramatically towards the back of the stage. He said “It’s not much use trying to explain things – with the great manipulator here…!” I looked back, and so did everyone, to see who was there. But there was no-one. Kemeny thought he was pointing at me, (I am quite small, and actually I was beside him)

26. What do you recommend to up and coming campaigners on how to begin their campaign career? Do you have any tips that will assist them in getting their message across?
Well, in the first place, it doesn’t have to be a “career”. One does what one can.

I recommend, as above, having a big think about what is your passion, and how much can you realistically give to it. What is your style, and what do you like doing? Try to find a way in which you can use your abilities - graphic art?, speaking?, organising? Writing? Direct action?
And take your relationship, family, work situation into account before embarking. Be able to say NO to campaign demmands.
.
Then – I still reckon that it’s a good idea to join a group, eat humble pie and take part in the meetings, the boredom, the ego trips, the stuff-ups, and the shit work that go with being part of it all.
Sometimes an individual achieves great things – Ralph Nader (car safety) – Lois Gibbs (combating chemical pollution), Helen Caldicott (stopping French atmospheric nuclear testing)..

But by and large, the “Power of One” is the power of thousands acting as one.

Tips in getting the message across? The message is always in the mind of the receiver – so – listening is the first step.

The more one learns about the nuclear issue (or any other complex problem), the better one is able to talk about it in simple, clear terms. The corporate pro-nuke lobby loves sophisticated technical jargon – it makes people give up thinking, and just leave the whole problem to the “experts”.
But there are some really well-informed people who can speak simply, e.g. Dr. Mark Diesendorf. Good to keep learning from them.

27. Would you like to add anything else?
Have some fun.
For example, parading around Ziggy, the huge white elephant with its green radioactive poo – that has been fun.



Thank you for your time, many people will appreciate this feedback.!

Interviewee Name: Noel Wauchope
For more details check out the campaign site below!


INTERNET SITE:
http://www.antinuclear.net/index.html

Interview campaign: Antinuclear Australia/ Friends of the Earth Sustainable Energy and Anti-Nuclear Campaign

Interviewee date: 14/9/08

Interview started at: 12 midday

Interview ended at: 2 pm

Signed (if can) electronically): dunno how to do it. Noel Wauchope

Monday, August 18, 2008

NUCLEAR FREE AUSTRALIA BENEFIT GIG



NUCLEAR FREE AUSTRALIA

IS

REQUESTING

1. A COMEDIAN PRESS RELEASE

2. A MEDIA ARTICLE OF COMEDY BENEFIT

“Is Heaven Nuclear Powered?"

Moderator - Damian Callinan Topic

Event: Thursday 4th, September, 2008

Anti Nuclear comedy Benefit: “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Organisation:
Nuclear Free Australia

Website: nuclearfreeaus@optusnet.com.au

Objective: To get magazine writers to do a news article

Event: “Anti Nuclear comedy Benefit”

Date: Thursday 4th, September, 2008

Time: 8pm onwards

Benefit Title: “Is Heaven Nuclear Powered?"

Moderator: Comedian - Damian Callinan

Venue: The Northcote Social Club

301 High St Northcote

Ticket Price: $12 on sale @ http://www.northcotesocialclub.com or Door $17

ABOUT NUCLEAR FREE AUSTRALIA

Nuclear Free Australia is against any artificial industrial item that will destroy our natural wild life, environment and our communities. The concept of this organisation originated from the horrific atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan that was dropped by the United States Military at

8. 45 am on the 6th August, 1945 and another bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki three days later at 11.02 am…In total 145,000 had died in Hiroshima and another 75,000 in Nagasaki and tens of thousands more suffered serious injuries.

Even though Kevin Rudd has recently apposed the proliferation of nuclear weapons, his government continues their support for uranium mining and exportation, which could lead to the manufacturing of nuclear weapons. Nuclear Free Australia is endorsed by many organisations; please visit our website @ http://www.nukefreeaus.org/

OUR REQUEST

A COMEDIAN PRESS RELEASE

A MEDIA ARTICLE OF COMEDY BENEFIT

Nuclear Free Australia is anticipating that your magazine will release your writers to do a write up for our up and up and coming comedy benefit gig. We invite you to attend the night and welcome you to write a media article of the night as well as a pre- press release promoting our comedians and our campaign event.

  • A sample press release and a bio of the comedians are found on the following pages.
  • If your magazine would like to assist us, please contact us at:


Thank you;

Nuclear Free Australia

Organisation: Nuclear Free Australia

Contact person: Hillel

Mobile: 0417506150

Email: nuclearfreeaus@optusnet.com.au


COMEDIAN PRESS RELEASE

REASON FOR BENEFIT

Nuclear Free Australia is determined to stop Australia becoming a nuclear waste dump. We are also committed in avoiding the possibility of Australia experiencing a similar tragedy of the nuclear bomb that destroyed 225,000 people and seriously injured tens of thousands more in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in 1945. Kevin Rudd, our Prime Minister continues to support the USA in uranium mining and exportation. Where does this uranium end up? Could it end up in weapons? Nuclear Free Australia says NO! To Australia being a nuclear waste dump. Says NO! To war and nuclear weapons and says No to uranium mining! Nuclear Free Australia always rally’s for peace and a nuclear free future! Our Anti – Nuclear comedy benefit, “Is Heaven Nuclear Powered?” is being held at The Northcote Social Club, 301 High St, Northcote, on Thursday 4th, September, 2008 at 8 pm. Comedian Damian Callinan will be there; moderating the event. Ticket Price $12/$17 door and can be purchased @ The Northcote Social Club http://www.northcotesocialclub.com

The comedian panellists (and not inclusive of), who will be giving up their valuable time to assist us in accomplishing our dream are; Sammy-J.; Christina Adams; David Thornton; Trent Mccarthy Mohamed Elleissy and Courteney Hocking.

Our Anti- Nuclear Comedy Benefit, “Is Heaven Nuclear Powered?” is all about supporting our vision and aim of making Australia a safe place that has No weapons; No Uranium and No Waste! We at Nuclear Free Australia believe in fighting for just causes and a Uranium free Australia is a cause we believe deserves fighting for and so this benefit is all about supporting us in our campaign to raise awareness to our community and to the world that we will not tolerate our Australia being destroyed through irresponsibility and that we are and will continue to fight “to reclaim our future!”

Many comedians have given up their time to support us in our cause. The biographies of those performing on the night are listed below.

BENEFIT COMEDIAN BIOGRAPHIES

Damian Callinan

Damian Callinan is one of Australia's most versatile, prolific and popular comedians. Stand-up and character comedian Damian Callinan is a comic character for TV, radio and live performance. He is a sought after comedy director having directed 2 shows in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2007 as well as performing himself. He recently wrote and performed “Babysitting”, his first show specifically for kids and he is working on “Borrydale, his first novel. Damian is a well known face on Australian television from his roles on TV comedy programs Skithouse, Before The Game, and The Wedge. His voice has been heard on 774ABC Melbourne; JJJ; MIX FM and MMM.


Sammy J

Sammy J is a Melbourne-based comedian, actor and writer. Most recently he has appeared on Spicks and Specks and Good News Week, been nominated for Best Show of the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, performed in Edinburgh and London's West End, toured nationally with the Comedy Festival Roadshow, and cleaned out his fridge. The Melbourne Age, say Sammy is “Uncomfortably brilliant” and the Beat Magazine describes Sammy as “Gleefully raucous, meticulously crazy, charmingly revolting and achingly funny. Go to his website for more information: http://www.sammy-j.com/

Dave Thornton

With his accessible humour and free flowing style Dave Thornton has become a comic on the ascent in Australia. Some media highlights include appearing on Good Morning Australia (channel 10) and Performing at the Melbourne Cup special on ‘Stand-up Australia.’(The Comedy Channel) His solo performance debut at the 2007 Melbourne International Comedy Festival garnered him a nomination for ‘Best Newcomer’ for ‘Euromission’. Dave has worked with comedians of the calibre of Dave Hughes, Jimoen, Bob Franklin, Dave O’Neil, Rove, Dave Williams, Brad Oakes and many, many more. This year his new show ‘INFO is all about, says Dave, “the age we live in and the age I grew up in – the digital information and technology age.” Dave says he loves cashews and pubs because he loves to “drink and be a tad obnoxious.

Trent Mccarthy

Trent McCarthy is a well known comic who is a shortish, white, unathletic, atheist bald guy, who after mentoring a group of Sudanese youth, for 12 months has created a new show out of the experience called “Turning Sudanese”, a comedy festival show featuring stories about McCarthy's experiences, and a live Sudanese version of the '80s Vapours' hit Turning Japanese. First launching his show as Part of the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, his show It’s an offbeat story about Sudanese time, secret handshakes, blurred identities and a rather naughty Immigration Minister. All profits will go to the Sudanese Lost Boys Association of Australia Inc. Join Trent as he shares his hilarious and heartfelt story – the story of one man’s journey from dinky-di to Dinka guy.


Courteney Hocking

Courteney Hocking is a comic, and a human, in transition and is known to mix pop with politics. Courteney Hocking is a past winner of the Campus Comedy Competition. She has written and performed solo shows in both the Melbourne Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, including Un-Australian at Trades Hall in 2007. She has been heard on Triple J, 3RRR and Fox FM. Her most exciting gig was in Hobart where she performed in the oldest theatre in Australia and had a lemonade with Bob Brown. Her least exciting gig was in Mentone. This year, Courteney wants to be the people's champ, like Billy Bragg, Bono and Sonny Bono. Join her as http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/season/2008/show/394/ she walks the fine line between "Maintaining the Rage" and "I've got you, babe". "With her interesting politics, cracker gags & a winning smile... Hocking is a hoot." The Age comments: "A cheeky glint in her eye & bags of unassuming charm." Chortle.

Other comedy artist who will be performing are Christina Adams and Mohamed Elleissy