Radioactive Show

This conversation with Dr Scherezade Bloul traces the pathways into AUKUS Pillar II, examining how universities are increasingly entangled in military research and defence infrastructure. We explore the implications of this alignment — and what it means for knowledge production, power, and the futures being shaped across our region. Part one of a two part series. 

On the 11th of March fifteen years ago, a massive earthquake and tsunami hit the east coast of Japan triggering a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima power plant.  Vast amounts of radioactive contamination were suddenly released into the environment and around 150,000 people were forced to flee their homes.  Fifteen years later, the impacts of that dreadful day are still very real with clean up ongoing, the location of fuel rods still unknown due to the intense radiation, 1.3 million tonnes of contaminated water is still on site and radioactive wastewater contaminated with radionuclides, including cesium, strontium, and plutonium is now being pumped into the Pacific Ocean.Today we are dipping into our archives to bring you one of the first Radioactive Shows broadcast after this nightmare event began.  This show was produce and presented by Jesse Boylan on the 26th of March 2011 just two weeks after the meltdown and features interviews with Phillip White, Dr. Tilman Ruff & Dave Sweeney.Upcoming events to join:The Pacific Peace Network is holding an emergency webinar on the War on Iran and the Impacts for our Blue Pacific.11am Brisbane time and midday in MelbourneHear from speakers across the pacific about the potential impacts of the US-Israel war on Iran , Lebanon and Gaza and ways to act for peace. Join here.For our listeners in Melbourne you can attend a workshop 'Help sink AUKUS before it sinks us!from 1-3pm today at the Maritime Union of Australia 46 Ireland st, West Melbourneorganised by No AUKUS Coalition Vic, the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network and Spirit of Eureka. Info here.And on Sunday 15th March come to the State Library of Victoria.At 12pm Free Palestine Coalition Naarm are holding a commemoration of 7 years since the Christchurch massacre at that saw 51 Muslims killed by an Australian Islamophobic, anti-immigration fascist.Followed at 1pm by a MASS ANTI-WAR PROTEST AGAINST THE US-ISRAELI IMPERIALIST WAR ON IRAN.Join millions around the world calling for an immediate end to the US-Israeli war on the Middle East/West Asia region. Stand with Palestine and the people of Lebanon and Iran. Stand for the freedom of land and people from the boots of Zionist colonialism, US imperialism and capitalist dictatorship. 

On March 1st, about 20 people came together for an anti-nuclear workshop held in Lutruwita at an activist camp organised by Grass Roots Action Network Tasmania (GRANT). Nuclear Free Collective coordinators Reed and Manju teamed up with our friends at Beyond Uranium Canberra, to discuss AUKUS in the context of the anti-nuclear movement in so-called Australia. We also “soft launched” an anti-AUKUS peace walk that will happen later this year in South Australia, most likely throughout September.  Keep an eye on our Instagram @foenuclearfree for updates on the peace walk and other nuclear free action you can get involved with.  You can also support the work of the Nuclear Free Collective by making a donation or becoming a member at https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/donate. References from the show/workshop:“Prime Minister announces $3.9 billion 'down payment' towards $30b Adelaide submarine shipyard”  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-15/down-payment-for-30b-adelaide-submarine-shipyard/106346484 An overview of British nuclear weapons testing in Australia https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/sources-radiation/more-radiation-sources/british-nuclear-weapons-testing  A zine about AUKUS was handed out at the workshop, and you can access it too: https://renegadeactivists.org/resources-and-legislation/ (“Leaving AUKUS? An anti-militarist review of AUKUS: it was never really about submarines” Produced by Renegade Activists, July 2025)

Sharing audio from an online forum organised by no nuclear subs SA, ‘Stop the AUKUS nuclear submarines', held on February 11. Firstly we'll hear from Dr Margie Beavis, from the Medical Association for Prevention of War, and ICAN - the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Margie will provide some of the broader context of defence policy and AUKUS nuclear submarines. Later in the show we'll hear from Professor Al Rainnie from Adelaide University, on the opportunity costs of AUKUS, as in what we're missing out on when 368 billion is funnelled into AUKUS.Adjunct Prof. Al Rainnie (Adelaide University) on AUKUS costs, opportunity costs and jobs claims.Medical Association for Prevention of WarInternational Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

From the 21-23rd of February World Beyond War have called the Global Days of Action to #CloseBases. For all the details of Close Bases actions globally go to worldbeyondwar.org/closebases.As actions to close military bases across the continent and around the globe are underway, we bring you a show about the campaign to close the 'Nurrungar Joint Defence Facility' in the late 8o's and early 90's. This program was broadcast on the 15th of January 1994 and takes a Look back at the Nurrungar Peace Camp 1993; and follows the story of some of the organisers and arrestees.The 'Joint Defence Facility Nurrungar' was closed in 1999 after serving as a joint Australian-United States Earth station from 1969 to 1999. It was primarily used for space-based surveillance and missile warning systems. Today, the site is used occasionally for army test and evaluation work, but it is not actively used for military operations.  This land still hasn't been handed back to the Googatha people. 

Today we speak with Dr.Tilman Ruff about the end of the New START Treaty, that removes a significant nuclear restraint between Russia and the United States, which together possess 87% of the world's nuclear weapons. Under New START,  the United States and Russia were limited to deploy each a maximum of 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and 700 nuclear weapon delivery systems.  They also complied with verification, notification, and on-site inspection mechanisms that reduced uncertainty and helped prevent miscalculation.  We discuss what the end of New START means for the world, the immediate impacts on this continent and the vital role of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at this time.To support the work of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons pushing for Australia to sign on the the TPNW visit the campaign page.

This week's show is about running for country, community and life. We celebrate the efforts of the mutual aid fun run and share reflections on the legacy, learnings and ongoing relevance of The Sacred Runs. A series of ceremonial and political runs led by Dennis Banks in solidarity with many others - including long-time anti-nuclear organiser, Marcus Atkinson. Part One of a three part interview series. To donate to the fun run please go to funrun4mutualaid.grassrootz.com/fun-run-4-mutual-aid

This week is the first of a regular update from Friends of the Earth Melbourne's Nuclear Free Collective coordinators Reed and Manju.  Reed interviews Ibi and River, two young anti-nuclear activists, about how they got involved and what motivates them to organise against nuclear developments.Keep up to date with the latest nuclear-free news.  Sign up for Friends of the Earth Melbourne's Nuclear-free Collective newsletter.

Johan, Sam, Manju and Michaela are joined by anti-nuclear legends Dr.Jim Green - National Nuclear-Free Campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia and Aunty Sue Haseldine - Googatha elder and President of the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance to reflect on some of the events of 2025 and look ahead to some of the campaigns we will be covering in 2026.  Topics include: AUKUS; nuclear power plants in times of war; greater militarisation and nuclear expansion on this continent; Olympic Dam uranium mine; water issues; rocket testing on Googatha land; and the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.Supported by the Nuclear-Free Collective at Friends of the Earth, Melbourne.  Sign up for updates.

We mark the 16 Days of Activism on Gender-based Violence by hearing from Ray Acheson, an organizer, activist, writer and Director of Reaching Critical Will, the disarmament program of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the world's oldest feminist peace organisation. Between 2008–2024 Ray Acheson served on the steering group of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its work to initiate and organise for the ban. Ray wrote about this work in their book 'Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy' and we bring you excerpts of a book launch event hosted on 5 May, 2021 by the Elliott School of International Affairs.Support First nations people working to protect people and planet from nuclear risks go to the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance website. 

Alison from Demilitarise Newcastle speaks with us about the military expansion in their region and their week of mobilisation for #earthcarenotwarfare coming up from December 1-9. Followed by Adam from Mparntwe for Falastin, a community group protesting the role of the Pine Gap joint US-Australian facility in attacks on Palestine and Sudan. 

Today we bring you some interviews from the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance Meeting 2025, held on Nukunu country at Pichi Richi park over the 29-31 August.  Adnyamathanha woman Deidre Coulthard shared their concerns about ongoing impacts of the Leigh Creek coal mine that continues to pollute the local area despite its 70 year operations ending in 2015.  And she shares excitement about efforts to protect the region from mining through a UNESCO World Heritage listing.  The Gammon and Flinders Ranges contain the best fossil evidence from 350 million years ago when the first multicellular life forms emerged.  Taking inspiration for a World Heritage listing for the Brewarrina fish traps is Ngambri woman Trish Frail.  Then we hear from Regina McKenzie, who won the Peter Rawlinson Award 2016 and was named Human Rights Hero in 2020 for her work in stopping a nuclear waste dump at Barndioota, about new uranium mine threats and the ongoing impacts of Olympic Dam uranium mine on the ecology.  

In this program we spoke with Michelle Fahy, an independent researcher investigating links between the weapons industry and Australian Government about her latest report on arms companies providing almost a quarter of the National Press Club's sponsorship. We also catch up with Australian Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Gem Romuld to bring an update on their work to get Australia to sign on the the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the rising threats to global security posed by nuclear brinkmanship and the AUKUS partnership.Links:Subscribe to Michelle Fahy's substack 'Undue Influence' where she publishes independent investigative reporting on the weapons industry and its close connections with the Australian government.ICAN's MP Meeting Guide.Nuclear Truth Project's Webinar 'Holding the Memories: Communities Leading the Fight for Nuclear Archival Justice' - November 19 & 20.Darebin Climate Action Now AGM with guest speaker David Spratt - 6.30pm November 13.  David speaking about his new discussion paper 'Warming has reached 1.5°C. What does that mean for climate advocacy?' from 7.30-8.30pm. 

We are joined by Reed O'Loughlin - one of the Coordinators for the Friends of the Earth Nuclear Free Collective and David Noonan - Independent Environmental Campaigner, to discuss some of the latest developments under AUKUS.On 1 November, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency handed over regulatory oversight of relevant licences related to the Australian nuclear-powered submarine program to the new Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator marking a significant shift in the way that nuclear activities and materials are regulated..  David Noonan discusses the imposition of military and nuclear risks posed by the AUKUS override of State & Territory laws that prohibit nuclear waste storage. You can read his submission to the 'AUKUS ‘Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulations – public consultation'.Upcoming events:Protest the Indo PacificKeeping WA Nuclear Free6pm Wednesday 19 NovemberThe Buffalo Club, 54 High St, Freemantle, WAOrganised by Nuclear Free WABook Launch 'Search for Security: AUKUS and the new militarism'6pm Thursday 20 NovemberMelbourne Unitarian Peace Memorial Church, 110 Grey St, East Melbourne, VICOrganised by No AUKUS Coalition VicLet's Talk About AUKUS6pm Tuesday 25 NovemberFood Coop, Kingsley St, Acton, ACTA night of conversation, food and music with Dr.Jim Green and friends.Organised by Beyond Uranium Canberra.   

Today we bring you more speeches from the rally against rocket testing on Googatha country, led by Googatha elder Aunty Sue Haseldine, that brought together hundred of supporters at the Australian Space Agency offices and Parliament House in Adelaide on unceded Kaurna yarta, on 10 October 2025.We'll hear excerpts from speeches by: Dylan Coleman - Googatha woman and lecturer in Indigenous health; Irene Watson a Tanganekald, Meintangk, Bunganditj and Potaruwutj woman and Professor of Law at the University of South Australia; Dr. Amanda Palmer Vice President of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War and Derek Burke from Port Adelaide Community Opposing AUKUS.Southern Launch's Koonibba rocket testing range is the largest overland suborbital rocket testing facility in the Southern Hemisphere and covers over 40,000 square kilometre of pristine mallee woodland that is home to Googatha sacred sites and endangered flora and fauna. They began operations at the Koonibba range in 2020 and started commercial launches in 2024.Write a letter in support of the campaign to get Southern Launch and rocket testing of sacred Googatha lands. 

We dive into the story and recent organising of WAWAN, Wollongong Against War and Nukes, with founding members Gem Romuld and Alexander Brown. We hear about WAWAN's formation in response to the proposal of a nuclear submarine port at Port Kembla, as well as the strong peace and anti-military history of the region.Winter of 2025 has been a hive of busyness for WAWAN, including a peace exhibition at the Wollongong library and a residency at Wollongong Gallery, alongside ongoing support and participation in the pickets at Bisalloy Steel, as organised by Wollongong Friends of Palestine. Wollongong Against War and NukesWollongong Friends of Palestine

On 10 October West Mallee Protection held a 'No Consent!' rally and march in Adelaide to oppose a rocket testing range on Googatha country.  Googatha elder Aunty Sue Haseldine traveled from Ceduna in South Australia's far west to visit the Australian Space Agency and SA Parliament in Adelaide to build a metro campaign to shut down Southern Launch's Koonibba Rocket Testing range. “My Country is not a military zone. It is an important place - culturally, spiritually, and environmentally. We have been battling for a long time for the protection of Country, and this battle continues here today. Any company or Government agency that decides they're going to use my Country as their playground for warfare, for testing war materials - they're not welcome"Today we hear from Kaurna woman Bonnie Brody, Googatha elder Aunty Sue Haseldine, West Mallee Protection's Reed O'Loughlin & Dr. Kate Wylie from Doctors for the Environment.Support West Mallee Protection here.

Sam conducts an interview with former producer of the Radioactive Show: Eric Miller. Eric wrote, produced, panelled and drove the Radioactive Show for an incredible 18 year period from 1988-2006.Eric transferred his archives of the show back to the Radioactive Show team , and we discussed the collection and Eric's history with the show. 

September 27 marks the anniversary of the first British atomic test at Maralinga in South Australia in 1956. Between 1952 -1957 three tests were carried out on the Monte Bello Islands off the coast of Western Australia followed by nine nuclear weapon tests at Emu Field and Maralinga in South Australia.  The British nuclear testing program was carried out with the full support of the Australian government and permission was not sought for the tests from Aboriginal people whose lands were used as sacrifice zones.The use of atomic weapons contaminated great tracts of land, displaced and forced Aboriginal people into Government and mission-controlled enclaves.  Many Aboriginal people were exposed to the fallout and died.  Survivors suffered radiation sickness and long term injury or illnesses and the intergenerational impacts affect family of survivors to this day.  This history informs the work of many of Australian Nuclear Free Alliance members to this day, having direct experience with nuclear weapons. We bring you some of the conversations from the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance gathering at Pichi Richi Park in South Australia over the weekend of 29th-31st of August.  We'll hear from speakers in the session titled 'Nuclear weapons and survivors: international solidarity and protocols': Dimity Hawkins from the Nuclear Truth Project; Karina Lester - Yangkunytjatjara Anangu woman; Roslyn Peters Anangu women from Yalata Community, Sister Michelle Maddigan - long time nuclear free campaigner based in Adelaide And Sue Haseldine - Googatha elder based in Ceduna, Far West South Australia.Read the ANFA 2025 meeting statement here.Weapons testing is continuing to threaten Aboriginal country and Aunty Sue Haseldine is seeking support to protect Googatha country from Southern Launch's rocket testing range.  There is a rally in Adelaide on October 10, go to @westmalleeprotection on Instagram to find out more.

On the 21 September you can join in the National Day of Action Against Miltarisation and AUKUS.We bring an update on AUKUS developments in the south west with Nuclear Free WA campaigner KA Garlick and recordings from an AUKUS session at the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting held at Pichi Richi Park on Nukunu country in so called "South Australia" over the weekend of 29-31 August.  We'll hear from Dave Sweeney, Nuclear-free campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation, Derrick from Port Adelaide Community Opposing AUKUS and independent environmental campaigner David Noonan.   

We return to the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting held over the weekend of 29-31 August at Pichi Richi Park in South Australia.  ANFA is an Aboriginal led grassroots alliance of people and organisations working for a nuclear free future.  The annual meeting is a place for multi-generational story telling. This week we turn to uranium mining and the destruction of sacred sites, water, animals, family and community relationships that occurs wherever it's imposed.  We'll hear from Mia Pepper and Vicky Abdullah in Western Australia, Kirsten Blair and Cat Beaton with updates from the Northern Territory, followed by Regina McKenzie and David Noonan on South Australia - the only state still mining uranium and as David Noonan puts it - the scene of the crime!Read the ANFA 2025 meeting statement here. 

From 29th - 31 August the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting was held on Nukunu country, at Pitchi Richi Park in so called "South Australia".  Since 1997 this Aboriginal led alliance has brought people together from across the continent to share information, strategies for defeating corporate and government plans for nuclear developments and to build solidarity for a nuclear free future.  First up we'll hear from Dianne Stokes on the Muckaty waste dump campaign in Tennant Creek, NT that ran from 2007 when the site was nominated by the Northern Lands Council to late 2014 when their case in the Federal Court saw the Federal Government and the Lands Council forced to walk away from it.  We then hear from Regina McKenzie who took up the fight in 2015 when the nuclear waste dump proposal moved to Barndioota on Adnymathanha country near Hawker, SA until 2020.  Followed by some words from ANFA President Aunty Sue Haseldine who stood alongside the Kupa Piti Kungka Tjuta in the first success against the Federal Government's national radioactive waste dump plan.The next session was dedicated to celebrating the win against the Liberal Coalition's seven proposed nuclear reactors and we hear South Australia's NAIDOC Person of the Year 2025  'Stano' speak about taking a central role in the local campaign against nuclear power for Port Augusta.Read the ANFA 2025 meeting statement here.Please join the National Day of Action on AUKUS on the International Day For Peace Sunday 21 September. Details at antiaukuscoalition.org.

Initially announced in September 2021, the AUKUS trilateral "security" partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, involves two lines of effort referred to as pillars. Pillar 1 focuses on Australia acquiring nuclear-powered attack submarines and the rotational basing of US and UK nuclear-powered attack submarines in Australia.This week we spoke with Tim Deere-Jones the author of a detailed new report released this month on the British nuclear submarine experience that has been written for Friends of the Earth Australia. Tim Deere-Jones has a B.Sc. degree in Maritime Studies and has operated a Marine Pollution Research Consultancy since the 1980s focusing on Nuclear and Radioactive Marine Pollution, causes/outcomes of hazardous cargos and shipping accidents, marine hydrocarbon, and chemical spills.Dr. Jim Green, National Nuclear Campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia, said that “The report reveals disturbing patterns of unacceptable safety risks, an appalling lack of transparency, cost-blowouts and delays". Green calls for the Australian Government to "immediately initiate a thorough, independent review of the AUKUS submarine project and this report should be an important input into that inquiry.”The report also details deadly collisions between civilian vessels and nuclear submarines; radioactive discharges to the environment from Nuclear Sub bases; and highlights the eye-watering amounts of money involved in the building,  maintaining and then disposing of these vessels which have a fairly short shelf life. The estimated cost to the UK's ministry of defense to fully disposing of one submarine is £96 million or $200 million AUD.The full report, ‘The British experience with nuclear-powered submarines: lessons for Australia', is available online at nuclear.foe.org.au/nuclear-subs.If what you have heard has concerned you, and you want to get involved, there are a number of ways to take action:IPAN has a petition on their website: Public Call to the Australian Government to cancel the AUKUS - find this at ipan.org.au.There is a National Anti-AUKUS Day of Action coming up on the September 21 on the International Day of Peace.  Find or promote a local event at antiaukuscoalition.org. 

Recordings from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Australia online event that brought together survivors, artists, campaigners and parliamentarians to reflect on Hiroshima's legacy - and the urgent task of disarmament on the 80 th Anniversary of the US bombing of Hiroshima on Wednesday 6 August,  2025.Featuring MC Scott Ludlam - Writer, former Greens Senator and lifelong national and international campaigner for peace and climate justice; Isao Morimoto – Second-generation Hibakusha and son of the late author/illustrator Junko Morimoto, sharing personal reflections on his mother's life and survival; and Gem Romuld – Director, ICAN Australia, leading national efforts to promote the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and challenge Australia's support for nuclear militarism.

Today we continue to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first use of nuclear weapons in war. On August 6 1945 the US army dropped the first atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima Japan with devastating effect. The intergenerational effects of the atomic bomb are ongoing and first up we'll hear from Kazuyo Yamane daughter of a Hibakusha speaking at speaking at a forum called Remembering Hiroshoma held by the Nuclear Truth Project last year.Next we delve into the Radioactive Show archives and bring you an interview with Jack Sennet who was based in Hiroshima with the Australian airforce just after the bombing. In March 1946, Australia was assigned to Hiroshima and the surrounding area as part the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). The program was first broadcast on the Radioactive Show on August 6 1994.  Thanks to Eric Miller for the archives and Sam Gibbard for making those available to us.In Naarm Melbourne there is a 80 years since Hiroshima - day of commemoration: Morning vigil as part of a global week of action to commemorate the terrible atomic bombings in Japan and to collectively remember that something like this should never happen again.  8-9 am: In the morning of Wednesday August 6 there will be a silent vigil from 8-9am (8.15 am was the time of the actual bombing on the day) at St Paul's Catherdral for a time of commemoration.12-1 pm: The Peace Choir will be singing in front of the State Library Victoria.1-1.15  pm: procession to Trades hall1.15-1.30pm: Group photo in front of the huge ICAN banner at Trades Hall1.30-2 pm: Tea and snacks at Trades Hall with a speaker from the Japanese community.All the details can be found at melbournefoe.org.au/events.The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has webinar on Sunday 3rd of from 4-7pm 'Victims of Nuclear Weapons and Testing'.And from 7-8pm on Wednesday 6 August a webinar 'The Fire Still Burns, Hiroshima Disarmamanet and Resistance'.  You can find all the details and links to registar for these events at icanw.org.au/action.   

On the 16th of July, 1945 at 5.30am the US detonated the first atomic weapon in the Jornada del Muerto desert over the lands of the Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache peoples of what's now know as New Mexico.  No one was evacuated from the area and the people living downwind are still suffering to this day due to the intergenerational impacts of exposure to radiation. And whilst their campaigning has seen some compensation delivered it is still not sufficient.The atomic bomb had been developed by the US military at the secret scientific Los Alamos laboratory under the name the Manhattan Project.  Scientists had identified two fissile isotopes for potential use in bombs: uranium-235 and plutonium-239. Uranium-235 became the basis of the 'Little Boy' bomb, first used (without prior testing) in the bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945; and the design used in the Trinity test, and eventually used in the 'Fat Man' bomb dropped on Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, was based on plutonium.There are now over 12,000 nuclear weapons around the world and with the doomsday clock set to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest its ever been, they threaten all our lives.For the last 80 year people around the world have been working to eliminate this terrible invention.  Today we speak with Dr. Margie Beavis from the Medical Association for the Prevention of War and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) about their current work and events planned to commemorate these horrific events.ICAN is holding a 'Week of Action for Abolition' from August 2-8 and you can find all the details and links to registar for events at icanw.org.au/action.We also bring you part of a speech from nuclear disarmament campaigner and Hibakusha, Setsuko Thurlow who was 13 year old school girl that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. This was recorded at the ICAN Nobel Peace Prize celebrations in December 2017.

Have you been thinking about AI aka Artificial intelligence, or AGI aka Artificial General Intelligence recently? It's moving so fast and I think it's vital that we engage critically with it. Today I'll bring you audio thanks to Democracy Now, an interview with Karen Hao, the author of a recent book ‘Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares and Sam Altman's Open AI.' I found it to be a pertinent conversation, I'm sharing some excerpts of it here, but recommend checking out the full interview at democracynow.org    

For this year's NAIDOC theme 'The Next Generation: Strength, Legacy & Vision' we hear two generations of Googatha (Kokatha) people discussing caring for country.  Aunty Sue Haseldine is a Googatha elder that has been leading 6 monthly Rockhole Recovery trips to care for sacred waterholes, part of the Seven Sisters songline.  She outlines the importance of the country and current threats from Southern Launch's rocket testing range.  We hear from two grandchildren Wayne and Wana about what these trips means to them and their vision for the future as young Kokatha people.Support the Googatha Mula country by donating toward the Rockhole Recovery trips.Support the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance.Learn more about Southern Launch's rocket testing range and the documentary coming soon Native Title Rockets.

This weeks episode we gratefully share Travis Lovett's speech from the Yoorrook Walk for Truth. Songs by Barkaa and Kee'ahn. Ngā mihi nui. 

This week we look at the Future Funds investment in weapons companies involved in the genocide in Palestine and producing illegal nuclear weapons.  Among many unethical investments, the Australian state's ‘sovereign' (stolen) wealth fund invests in weaponscompanies arming Israel to murder tens of thousands of people in Gaza and the West Bank.Elbit Systems - Israel's largest privately-owned arms company - is the fastest-growing company on the list of companies Future Fund invests in.  A research report produced by the Elbit Out of Victoria campaign reveals an increase of 449.9 % within the last 15 months. The report was launched at the Future Fund Head Office, 447 Collins St, Naarm-Melbourne at an after work rally demanding Future Fund divests from Elbit Systems on Thursday 26 June.We bring you some excerpts of speeches from the rally by Krauatatungallung elder Djuran Bunjileenee Robbie Thorpe (Crime Scene Australia),  Nat (Elbit out of Victoria), Dr Max Kaiser (Jewish Council of Australia) and Romina Beitseen (Campaign for International Cooperation and Disarmament).Then we speak with Dr.Margie Beavis from the Medical Association for the Prevention of War and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons about investment in nuclear weapons producing companies and what you can do about it.More information about divesting from nuclear weapons can be found at quitnukes.org and dontbankonthebomb.com. 

In today's show we learn about the staunch organising, support and action for Palestine that continues to take place on Dharawhal Country, in the area around Wollongong, NSW. There have also been direct actions and 6 community pickets against the nearby company Bisalloy, which organisers found out producers armoured steel for the IDF. Now in June 2025, the devastating genocide continues, but so does the resistance, and I've spoken to organisers wit the local group, Wollongong Friends of Palestine, about how they have built a hive of resistance in the area.  

On this weeks show we reflect on the recent election result with Kirsten Blair speaking at a Don't Nuke The Climate webinar 'Is nuclear power still a threat after the election?' about the big impact that anti nuclear power sentiment in the community had in the last election that may have cost the Liberal National Coalition as many as 11 seats. We hear from Poppy about the upcoming exhibition called 'Resisting Nuclear' that runs from 12-17 June at 6 Prowse St, Brunswick.  For updates follow Old Country Calling on Facebook or Instagram.And we bring you a speech by Scheherazade Bloul from the Elbit Out of Victoria Campaign out the front of Hanwha Korean Weapons company headquarters 550 Bourke St Melbourne on Sunday 25 May.  The current focus is on defunding Israels biggest weapons manafacturer Elbit with a rally to be held on Thursday 26 June 5.30pm at the Future Fund offices 447 Collins St, Melbourne CBD.Links: 'Nuclear power may have cost the Coalition 11 seats in the federal election' by Dr Jim Green published in Renew magazine.Flyers to promote the 'No to a future soaked in blood' rally on Thursday 26 June.

This week we play a recording from a conversation between earth-waking artist and musician Anohni and climate justice journalist and activist scholar, Naomi Klein. The conversation was organised and recorded by the Chan Centre for Preforming Arts on Musqueam Land. 

Each year the Stockholm International Peace and Research Institute (SIPRI) releases a report on global military spending.  We spoke to Xiao Liang about the extraordinary increases and trends in military spending across 2024.  Additionally SIPRI reports on the top 100 military companies and ranked 27 is Israel's largest military company Elbit Systems who have a wholly owned subsidiary operating out of Australia.  Elbit System Australia receives around $917 million of tax payer dollars from the government.  On May 15, the 77th anniversary of the Nakba, Elbit Out of Victoria called for an end to their operation with a presence at their newly located offices 290 Salmon St, Port Melbourne.  We speak with Scheherazade Bloul about the Elbit Out of Victoria campaign. 

On April 26, the 39th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, Friends of the Earth's Nuclear Free Collective held a one-day No to Nuclear Solidarity Bike Ride from Camp Sovereignty in the city via Brighton to Kooyong. We hear the voices of participants on why they are riding to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear industry and standing in solidarity with those directly impacted.  Particulary by Dutton's nuclear power proposals as we lead into a Federal Election.The Solidarity Bike Ride was joined by Climate Choir Melbourne during the lunch break in Brighton and at Kooyong later in the afternoon for an event commemorating the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.  We hear from Dave Sweeney from the Australian Conservation Foundation and Dr.Tilman Ruff from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons speaking extensively about the impacts of Chernobyl catastrophe and the implications of a nuclear power industry in Australia. 

This week we speak with two candidates in the upcoming Federal election that are running on a platform of nuclear free and sustainable energy.Peltherre Chris Tomlins is a candidate with the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia in the seat of Lingiari in the Northern Territory.  Uncle Chris is a custodian, a peaceful protector of his country and and a passionate activist. Among other things, he supported actions such as ‘Close Pine Gap', Indigenous Sovereignty, and recognition of the Frontier Wars.  Pine Gap is the extensive US military and intelligence base that occupies Aboriginal lands of the Arrernte people, the original custodians of country. The Arrernte were never asked for their permission to build Pine Gap on their land.  Rochelle Hine is the Greens candidate for Gippsland. One of Rochelle's campaign policies is 'Keeping the region free of the threat of nuclear reactors'. She has been involved in the nuclear actions happening locally, attending Nanna's Against Nuclear, and other rally's.  

As a federal election looms we catch up with Friends of the Earth Melbourne's Nuclear-free Collective Coordinator Sanne DeSwart and Friends of the Earth Australia's National Anti-nuclear campaigner Dr. Jim Green.  We take a look at what bearing the election outcome may have on various nuclear issues and hear about some of the activities planned in the next month.  On the April 26, the 39th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, they are organising a one-day Nuclear-free Bike Ride from from the city via Brighton to Kooyong.  More information and sign up here. 

The world's military industries are coming to Geelong to do business between 26 - 30 March 2025. We speak with Jaimie Jeffries from IPAN Geelong about the Avalon Air Show and the work they are doing to cut through the event promotion as a family friendly fund day out that gets families to fund one of the largest military weapons trading events in the Southern hemisphere.Picket the Avalon Airshow to stop death dealers arm trading:5.30pm Monday 24 March:  Yarra Blvd, Crown Casino. Disrupt the Warmongers dinner get noisy and don't let them eat in peace.7am Wednesday 26 March:  Meet at the Beach Road M1 off ramp.3-6pm Friday 28 March: Marand Engineering the old Ford factory, Melbourne Road, North Geelong.7am Saturday 29 display banners and placars and flyering at Park and Ride Sutcliffe Reserve Corio 8am at the Lara Train Station.For World Water Day (22 March) we listen to a recording by the late great land and water protector Uncle Kevin Buzzacott made by Old Country Calling in September 2023.Olympic Dam copper, gold and uranium mine has been taking huge amounts of precious water from the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) since they began operating in 1982.  Up to 42 million litres of water is drawn from Arabunna country each day without consent and has destroyed many of the incredible Mound Springs sacred sites, unique ecosystems that are fed by ancient waters the come to the surface due to pressure at the southern end of the GAB.Under the 1982 Roxby Downs Indenture Act, the original Olympic Dam owner Western Mining and now present owner BHP are afforded special privileges that exempt them from the Aboriginal Heritage Protection Act, Water Act, Natural Resources Act, Environmental Protection and Bidoversity Act and the Freedom of Information Act. 

In this episode we hear about the ongoing impacts of Fukushima Diaster including the impact on land, water, human health and communities. We disucss how Fukushima serves as a sober warning to Nuclear Power in Australia. Please see the Nuclear Mapping project here: https://nuclearplume.au 

We hear from Ray Acheson, who worked with ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and many other NGOs, community groups, governments, diplomats and civil society, to reach the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons, which was signed at the UN in 2017. Ray has written a book on the process called ‘Banning the bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy.' We also hear Mitch, Eastern Arrendte and Lurritja woman from Mpartnwe or Alice Springs, speaking about fighting a nuclear waste dump on her country and compounding injustices of the NT Intervention and other racist policies. International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Reaching Critical Will Nuclear Truth Project

This weeks episode we bring you another recording from the Nuke's Free Gathering in Naarm Melb, this week featuring Dr Jim Green and Aunty Sue. 

In the lead up to the National Day of Action Against Nuclear Power on March 11, the anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, we return to look at some of the major issues with Dutton's nuclear reactor proposal that would see nuclear reactors replace coal fired power stations or retired coal sites at: Tarong and Callide in Queensland; Liddell and Mount Piper in NSW; Port Augusta in SA; Muja in WA, and Loy Yang in Victoria, in the Latrobe Valley.We hear from Wendy Farmer, Gippsland organiser with Yes to Renewables - Friends of the Earth's campaign for 100% renewable energy, climate jobs, and strong communities and Dr. Margie Beavis from the Medical Association for Prevention on War speaking at the Nukes Free Gathering in Naarm-Melbourne on the February 2.  Then we're joined by  Stephanie Sabrinskas, organiser with the Nuclear Free Gippsland Alliance who are actively campaigning across Gunai Kurnai Country to raise awareness of the harms of nuclear energy and uranium mining.We also catch up with Annette Brownlie from the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network to hear about their activities for the Global Day of Action to #CloseBases.  For further questions please contact Annette Brownlie 0431 597 256.Events Listing:The following actions will take place at these sites across Australia for Global Day of Action to #CloseBases.Sydney, NSW: 2.00pm, Saturday 22 Feb. Garden Island Naval Base Sydney, Cowper Wharf Rd and Wylde St, Potts Point.Brisbane, QLD: 1.00 – 5.30pm Saturday 22 Feb. St Barnabas Church Hall (The Barney), 28 St Barnabas Pl, Red HillCairns, QLD: 2.00 – 4.00pm, Saturday 22 Feb. HMAS Cairns, 54 Draper St, PortsmithCanberra, ACT: 2:00-3:00pm, Sunday 23 Feb. Outside the US Embassy Moonah Pl, Yarralumla.Rockingham, WA: 5.30pm, Sunday 23 Feb. HMAS Stirling Naval Base Gates, HMAS Stirling Pass Office.'First Nations and nuclear power: our people, our Country, our animals'Thursday 27 Feb, 12pm - 1pm AEDT.  Free event. Register here.First Nations speakers on our lived experience of the effects of the nuclear industry on their communities, and what a domestic nuclear power industry would mean.'Nuclear Weapons X Climate Collapse: Countering Humanity's Twin Existential Threats'Thursday 27 Feb 2025, 6-7pm.  Drill Hall, Multicultural Hub, 26 Therry StreetMelbourne. Free & Wheelchair Accessible Event. Register here.Presented By International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Australia.  As part of this year's National Sustainability Festival, ICAN Australia will be joined by experts from Youngsolwara, The Australia Institute, and Doctors for the Environment Australia to discuss the twin existential threats of nuclear weapons and climate change, and what needs to happen to avert catastrophe.'Backyard Party Fundraiser'Friday 28 Feb, 6-11pm.  Come and join us for a night of dancing and connection, raising for these three incredible services and initiatives, Crime Scene Australia, Grandmothers Against Removals and Support for displaced Sudanese Peoples. Tickets here.'Remembering Fukushima: Nuclear Never Safe'Tuesday 11 March, 5.30PM.  State Library of Victoria. Rally and march.'Fukushima Never Again: Radiation risk of a nuclear accident in the Australian Context' Tuesday 11 March 7-8pm AEDT. Register for this webinar.Don't Nuke the Climate for an in depth discussion on the radiation risks communities close to nuclear reactors would face in case of an accident. Speakers: Dr Tilman Ruff, Medical Association for Prevention of War, Dr Jim Green, National Nuclear Campaigner Friends of the Earth, Sakyo Noda, Japanese monitoring volunteer after Fukushima disaster. MC Nelli Stevenson. Music:  Poli Pearl 'Raw'

Today we bring you another program that introduces various organisations and campaigns that provide opportunities to get informed and take action to end the destructive nuclear industry and work for peace and a world free of weapons.Today we hear from Australian Nuclear Free Alliance President Sue Haseldine, Gem Romuld from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, Rocky from Native Title Rockets, Margaret Reynolds from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and Sanne DeSwart Coordinator of Friends of the Earth Melbourne Nuclear Free.Links:Friends of the Earth Australia Nuclear FreeUpcoming Online Forums 'First Nations and nuclear power: our people, our Country, our animals' - Thursday 27 Feb, 12pm - 1pm AEDT.  Free event. Register here.'Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy - Perspectives and Lessons from Ray Acheson' - Wednesday 18 February, 7-8am AEDT.  Free event. Register here.'Fukushima Never Again: Radiation risk of a nuclear accident in the Australian Context'Join Don't Nuke the Climate for an in depth discussion on the radiation risks communities close to nuclear reactors would face in case of an accident.  Tuesday 11 March 7-8pm AEDT.Speakers: Dr Tilman Ruff, Medical Association for Prevention of War, Dr Jim Green, National Nuclear Campaigner Friends of the Earth, Sakyo Noda, Japanese monitoring volunteer after Fukushima disaster. MC Nelli Stevenson.  Register here.

This week we play a recording with Dimity Hawkins from the Nuclear Truth Project recorded during Nuke Free Gathering held in Naarm, Melbourne Feb 1 -  2, 2025. Support Nuclear Free WA opposing AUKUS Submarines.The Department of Defence has lodged it's environmental assessment of the proposed priority works at HMAS Stirling to the Federal Department of Environment for assessment. (aka Submarine Rotational Force -West Priority Infrastructure Works (EPBC Act 2024/10031). These developments at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island Meeandip would facilitate SRF - West the rotation of 4 US Virginia Class nuclear powered submarines and a UK Astute Class SSNs from 2027 onwards. The works at the site pose an immediate threat to many endangered species that live in Cockburn Sound Derbal Nara.The proposed works include:- upgrade and install new maritime infrastructure including, pier and wharf improvements, mooring dolphin, new small vessel pontoons and berthing, and associated dredging works and piling.- construct and operate a Controlled Industrial Facility to manage and temporarily store low- level radioactive material and waste. Have your say today, and email your submission by Friday 14 February ~srf-west.infrastructureproject@defence.gov.au

On 28 January, 2025, the Bulletin of Atomic scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight signalling that we are the closest we have ever been to the destruction of life on this planet.  As the old the saying goes "Better active today than Radioactive tomorrow"  and it's never been a more important message.Today we bring you the first in a series of programs that introduces organisations working for an end to the nuclear industry, peace and nuclear disarmament.  We hear from KA Garlick from Nuclear Free WA, Margie Beavis from the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, Romina Beitsen from the Campaign for International Cooperation and Disarmament, Dave Sweeney from the Australian Conservation Foundation, Dimity Hawkins from the Nuclear Truth Project, Kirsten Blair from Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation,  Jaimie Jeffrey from the Anti-AUKUS Coalition, Independent and Peaceful Australia Network and Elbit Out of Victoria, Jacob Grech from Renegade Activists and Renegade Solidarity Audio Force Manju Lahrech from Old Country Calling.

On this show, we present an interview between Uncle Robbie Thorpe (Bunjil's Fire) and nuclear-free superstar Aunty Sue Coleman Haseldine.Aunty Sue is well known to Radioactive Show listeners because of her tireless work fighting the nuclear industry and her involvement with ICAN, the international campaign to abolish nuclear weapons and ANFA, the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance.The struggle to protect country from exploitation from mining companies is compounded by so many other struggles aboriginal people faceThe interview covers just some of the battles Aunty Sue faces, why her work is so important and why she'll never give up.To learn more about ICAN the international campaign to abolish nuclear weapons, go to www.icanw.org.  To learn more about ANFA, the australian nuclear free alliance, go to www.anfa.org.au.Join the Nukes Free Gathering at Catalyst Social Centre, 140 Sydney Rd, Coburg on 1-2 February.Check out Djuran Bunjileenee Robbie Thorpe's work go to www.crimesceneaustralia.com.

We speak with Rosie Grech about the upcoming Nukes Free Gathering over the weekend of 31 January - 2 February at Catalyst, 144 Sydney Rd, Coburg.  The emphasis for this big weekend-long agenda is movement building. It's designed to give background or ‘Nuclear 101' sessions for committed activists who are wanting to get a greater grasp of the nuclear realities, and become more active at this crucial time. Bringing together those deeply immersed in this work with those keen to engage more is a great chance for making connections and strengthening networks.  Register here:  events.humanitix.com/nukes-free-gathering-2025.  Find all the information at Old Country Calling on social media.Then we are joined by Laniyuk, a Larrakia, Kungarakan, Gurindji, and French writer and performer of poetry and short memoir, to talk about the Return Lee Point to the Care of Larrakia People campaign.  There are solidarity actions in major cities on Monday 20 January.  In Naarm Melbourne come to Defence Housing Australia, 120 Bay St, Port Melbourne from 4.30-5.30pm.  

On Thursday, 5 December, Mr Seishi Morikawa, a second-generation nuclear survivor from Hiroshima, on tour with the Nuclear Truth Project, visited Friends of the Earth Melbourne to discuss a survey on the health impacts of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago. Mr Morikawa is the Deputy Director of the Kanagawa Atomic Bomb Sufferers Association, a member group of Nihon Hidankyo, and led the Health Study Questionnaire by the Kyoto Association of Second and Third Generation Atomic Bomb Survivors  that was released  in February 2024.Read 'To Protect the Health of the Second and Third Generation Atomic Bomb Survivors and Future Generations - Report on the Results of the Health Study Questionnaire for the Second and Third Generation Atomic Bomb Survivors'.Seishi invites you to sign this petition in support of second generation survivors.