Mature debate on nuclear health risks is essential

In relation to our article Where is the ‘mature debate’ about the health impacts of nuclear power?

Barbara Fraser, Burwood, Vic, Jan 17, 2025

Margaret Beavis is a recently retired GP and Melbourne University educator on nuclear energy and ill health. She would like a really true ‘mature debate’ on nuclear.

Here are her four main health arguments against the Coalition’s nuclear hope. One, there is clear evidence that children living within 5 km of a nuclear plant doubled their rate of developing leukemia. Two, workers
near a nuclear plant also risk dying from cancer. Three, in Australia, radiology is actually limited to avoid causing cancer. Four, the reality of continuing fossil fuels when they are the main cause of the climate crisis, is “unconscionable”.

So by demanding a mature debate, Peter Dutton and co simply reveal their ignorance and shameful lack of honesty.

The Australian government should call this out boldly and very loudly.