Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission giving Indigenous communities a voice

Melbourne : A Royal Commission into nuclear power is working to remove cultural barriers preventing Indigenous communities from having their say in South Australia’s nuclear debate. The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission is working closely with Indigenous groups and leaders to open lines of communication, encouraging participation in regional and remote communities.Regional engagement manager Jon Bok said it was important to recognise hurt from the past.”The reality is that for a lot of communities that I’ve been talking to and their representatives, many have had quite a profound impact and negative impact of their experiences with nuclear activities in South Australia,’ he said.”So it’s not just the cultural context, but it’s also just the reality of people’s experiences…and that has to be handled with sensitivity and also with respect.”Mr Bok has been travelling across South Australia conducting public forums to foster debate on the terms of reference in the commission.He said he had already been met with scepticism from some communities.”I have already heard from some communities and certain representatives of communities, some very strong views against South Australia’s further participation in nuclear fuel cycle… I’ve also spoken with others who are more open minded.”Despite the varying views on nuclear energy, Mr Bok said a consistent message was that people wanted to know more and be provided with correct, objective information.The forums are being held across the state over the next six weeks and particularly target remote areas where barriers to participation in the commission are high.Those hurdles are highest in Indigenous communities where access to telecommunications technology is low and English may be a second language.”The commissioner has made quite clear that it’s important Indigenous communities particularly are involved and engaged in this process,” he said.The royal commission into exploring South Australia’s nuclear options started in March this year, with submissions closing August 3.