Radioactive Show

On today's show I speak to two teachers involved with Teachers and School Staff for Palestine (TSS4P), Victoria. Teachers and School Staff for Palestine formed last year, building on existing connections forged through Union activism and teachers working for Social Justice, as well as drawing in teachers and school staff who wanted to speak out against the genocide in Palestine. As we will hear, Teachers and School Staff for Palestine has expanded rapidly, showing up as a weekly contingent to the Naarm Sunday rallies, holding a Week of Action and vigil, and more recently creating resources that challenge mythologies around ANZAC day and the silence that surrounds historic and present injustice in Palestine. They have attracted the attention of the Education Minister in Victoria, Ben Carrol and shock jock Journalists, like Andrew Bolt. Even Barnaby Joyce has weighed in recently. Tune into hear about their inspiring work in the classroom and beyond. Teachers and School Staff for Palestine Vic Find them on Instagram: teachers4Palestine_vicFind resources at: https://linktr.ee/teachers4palestinevic

This week we speak with Old Country Calling organiser Manju about the upcoming 'Big Boss Fire Tour - Tribute to Uncle Kev' that will take place on Arabunna country from 22 June - 5 July before travelling to Kokatha country for 7-21 July.  We bring you a recording from the late great warrior for peace and justice Arabunna elder Uncle Kevin that was recorded by Julian at Alberrie Creek late last year.  To find more beautiful recordings from Uncle Kevin's final months on his country visit Decolonize Mob on Facebook.

Today's we bring you nuclear news with Friends of the Earth Australia's National Nuclear-free campaigner Dr. Jim Green. We discuss Dutton's push for nuclear power in Australia; the UK nuclear power construction at Hinkley Point; the growing threat of nuclear war and the latest nuclear waste threat under AUKUS - the Australia, UK and US military pact.The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill 2023 establishes a new regulatory framework to promote and regulate the nuclear safety of activities relating to AUKUS submarines. The framework would apply to Australian submarines and to activities related to UK/US submarines.  We've learnt that it could make Australia a dumping ground of high-level military nuclear waste from the United Kingdom and United States – if laws proposed by Defence Minister Richard Marles are rushed through Parliament in the coming weeks. An Inquiry into the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill reported on Monday 13th May and Recommendation 3 is as follows:'The Committee recommends that the Government consider amending the Bill so that a distinction is made between Australia's acceptance of low-level nuclear waste from AUKUS partners, but non-acceptance of high-level nuclear waste.' Take action now and contact your local parliamentarian to call on them to close this dangerous loophole in the legislationThe nuclear free collective have a proforma letter that you can send to your local representative: www.melbournefoe.org.au/no_aukus_intl_wasteFriends of the Earth Melbourne has a petition to sign opposing Peter Duttons plan to build large scale nuclear power plants in Victoria:  www.melbournefoe.org.au/nonuclearvic_petitionThe Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency are considering application No A0346 by the Australian Submarine Agency to prepare a site for a prescribed radiation facility (namely a low level waste management and maintenance facility) to be known as the 'Controlled Industrial Facility' at the existing HMAS Stirling site, at Garden Island, Rockingham in Western Australia.To have your say go to https://consult.arpansa.gov.au.  Submissions close at 11:59pm on 7 June.If you want all these actions and updates sent straight to your email sign up the Friends of the Earth Melbourne Nuclear Free news.We featured the song 'Enough is Enough' recorded by Jampijinpa Ned Hargraves at Resident Frequency studios in Collingwood.  THe song will have it's live premiere at an event on Friday 24th of May at Catalyst Social Centre to raise much needed funds to support the Walker family during the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walkers death.Karrinjarla Muwajarri Fundraiser4pm at Catalyst , 144 Sydney Rd, Brunswick.An evening of music and conversations about keeping community safe from racist police.Come share a meal and get cozy around the fire. There will be t-shirts, hoodies and art for sale, dinner by donation and a raffle with GREAT prizes!!!

This week we hear about two campaigns at the forefront of opposition to the military expansion on this continent.  ‘Native Title Rockets' Campaign Coordinator and documentary Director Rocky speaks with Priya Kunjan (Thursday Breakfast) about Southern Launch's Koonibba rocket testing range that has begun commercial operation with its first rocket launch this week on Kokatha lands near Ceduna, South Australia.  Kokatha elder Aunty Sue Haseldine brings us a call out for supporters to protect country from damage by the rocket testing operations.  Then we hear an interview from Phuong Tran (Tuesday Breakfast) with Larrakia, Kungarakan, Gurindji and French political creative Laniyuk about the sacred lands of the Larrakia people, which are currently under threat of being destroyed by Defence Housing Australia. Binybara 'Lee Point' near Darwin is an area of deep cultural significance to the Larrakia Peoples and is also an internationally-significant site for migratory shorebirds and home to the rare and endangered Gouldian Finch. Larrakia people are being supported by community groups to have Lee Point protected and returned to traditional custodianship, after the Federal government gave Defence Housing Australia permission to develop the site 800 homes in 2018.  Last week Environmental Justice Australia made an application to the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) to recognise sacred sites in the Lee Point development zone, including the Danggalaba Dreaming track, a sacred waterway and traditional camping places and ceremonial grounds on behalf of Larrakia Danggalaba Traditional Owner Tibby Quall.Support the campaign by signing the petition to Return Lee Point to the Care of Larrakia People.   

This week's show shares recordings from the Nuclear Truth Project panel hosted at the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance Meeting, 2024. It includes stories of First Nation survival and solidarity from this continent and abroad. Voices include Dimity Hawkins (ICAN Australia), Petuuche Gilbert (Elder of Acoma Puebla), Yalata community in conversation including Roslyn Peters and senior Kothaka elder Aunty Sue Haseldine (West Mallee Protection). 

Part two of the Community Speak out for Peace held at the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting 2024.Strong words from Mitch, Eastern Arrernte and Luritja woman, and a 20 year nuclear free activist who fought a nuclear waste dump proposal for her Country by starting a direct action beside the road. Followed by MUA vice-president Garry Keane, speaking about safety for wharfies and unionists. Finally, we'll hear from Dave Sweeney of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Nat Wasley, long term Nuclear Free organiser and Maritime Union Australia worker and member, facilitates the forum.

An in studio conversation with Ray Acheson, a writer and activist, visiting from their current home of New York. Ray is the director of Reaching Critical Will, a member of the ICAN, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons steering committee, which is the disarmament program of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. We discuss the strength of First Nations' organising on all things nuclear in 'Australia', the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, AUKUS, police repressiong, organisin against 'cop cities' in the US, and the hope of mutual aid and solidarity. They are the author of ‘Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy' published in 2021 and ‘Abolishing State Violence: a world beyond bombs, borders and cages'. Ray has returned to so called ‘Australia' to attend the 2024 Australian Nuclear Free Alliance conference, as well as reconnect with struggles and community here.ANFAReaching Critical WillICAN AustraliaAbolishing State Violence by Ray Acheson Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy by Ray AchesonArticle about Australia-Israel FOI request mentioned in interview

In today's show we share with you audio recorded at the Community Speak out at the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting, March 15-17th.ANFA is a grassroots alliance that has brought together Aboriginal people and civil society groups concerned about existing or proposed nuclear developments in ‘so called' Australia since 1997. The was the first East Coast meeting of ANFA and was called to come to the East Coast due to the nearby proposed stationing of nuclear submarines at Port Kembla, a key part of the AUKUS deal, just 15km from the coastal city of Wollongong. At the Sunday Community speak out delegates from across many different Aboriginal Countries, who had travelled thousands of kms to be at ANFA, shared stories and heard from local unionists and organisers. From the desert to the sea, links were made between nuclear projects, their impacts and struggles against them. Speakers are, Natalise Wasley (MC) of the Maritime Union of Australia, ANFA president and chairperson- Sue Coleman Haseldine and Trish Frail, Henry Rajendra- President of the Teachers Federation NSW, and Arthur Rorris, Secretary of South Coast Labour Council.Australian Nuclear Free AllianceWollongong Against War and Nukes 

This week we bring you more presentations from the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance meeting in Wollongong, 16-18 March.  We hear from Mirarr representative Corben Mujandi about the long struggle of the Mirrar to end uranium mining in Kakadu and the pressure from mining companies and the Government that continue today.  Kirsten Blair who works with the Mirarr's Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation shares some of the history of the campaign. Then Walpiri woman Valerie Martin and Barbara Shaw, fourth generation town camper in Mpartnwe-Alice Springs discuss the Nolans rare earth mine that will leave a legacy of radioactive waste 135km north of Alice Springs.

It's been a year since the Australian government unveiled its AUKUS military pact with the US and the UK that will see it acquire nuclear-powered submarines, forecast to cost up to AU$368 billion. It's a deal that poses serious threat to regional and global health and security, runs counter to our commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and brings us closer to nuclear weapons capability.  The 14th March saw the start of a week of actions against AUKUS all across the continent and the Radioactive Show travelled to Mt. Keira on Wadi Wadi Lands in Wollongong to the meeting of the Australian Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) a grassroots alliance that has brought together Aboriginal people and civil society groups concerned about existing or proposed nuclear developments in 'so called' Australia Since 1997.  This was the first East Coast meeting of ANFA and was initiated due to the potential for stationing of nuclear submarines at Port Kembla.Today we hear from Greens Senator David Shoebridge addressing the meeting on some of the serious threats from AUKUS.  Currently the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee is conducting an Inquiry into Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill 2023 [Provisions] and Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 that will report on April 26.  We also share recordings from the launch of the Peace Walk Against AUKUS that had a send off at the ANFA meeting on Sunday 17 March and set off from Port Kembla on Monday 18 March.  Local elder Uncle Peter Button held a smoking ceremony to begin the walk.  The walk will continue on to arrive in Canberra on 17 April and you can follow along on the social media (Beyond Uranium Canberra or via the website www.beyonduraniumcanberra.net.Finally we'll hear long time anti-nuclear activist and former Radioactive Show presenter Bilbo speaking about the Keepers of Lake Eyre anniversary that will meet up on 26 March to talk about the next steps in the protection of Arabana country and in particular the sacred mound springs.

This week we discuss a Federal Government's public consultation for the  “Northern Water Desalination and Pipeline Infrastructure Project” in South Australia that could be critical to the campaign to attain protection for the Mound Springs of the Great Artesian Basin – sacred sites to the Arabunna people who's land BHP draws water from for their Roxby Downs uranium mine.  Submissions are open till close of business on Thursday 21 March.  You can find a copy of Independent Environmental Campaigner David Noonan's Briefing Paper here and Submission here.  We encourage you to make a submission using the EPBC Act public portal.We also bring you a speech from Djuran Bunjileenee - Robbie Thorpe, Gunai Kurnai elder from the Camp Sovereignty 18th Anniversary concert and tribute to the late Uncle Kevin Buzzacott that was held on Tuesday 12 March.  And some words from Uncle Wayne Thorpe from the closing ceremony fire.  Check out the Black People's Union or Old Country Calling social media sites for details of worskhops, film screenings and other events at Camp Sovereignty.  All are welcome to come down anytime for a chat, daily shared dinner at 7pm and sunset smoking ceremony.

Today's show features audio and discussion about the Teachers and School Staff for Palestine (Vic) March 3rd launch of a Teaching for Palestine resource, and a campaign to boycott STEM programs in Victorian schools sponsored by Weapons companies. We hear an  interview by Phuong Tran of 3CR with Elise West, Director of Teachers for Peace and Medical Association for the Prevention of War, and Elspeth Blunt, a teacher and member of the Teacher's and School Staff for Palestine organising committee. Later in the show are recordings from the launch event, featuring a speech by Nader, a year 6 Palestinian student from a public primary school, and Isaak Bovell, Australian Education Union Sub Branch Representative, and a Teachers and School Staff for Palestine Organising Committee member. Teachers and School Staff for PalestineTeachers for Peace Medical Association for Prevention of War, Minors and Missiles report 

This week we speak to Margaret Wiliamson from No AUKUS Coalition - Victoria about the upcoming weekend of Australia-wide actions opposing the AUKUS deal starting on March 14.  We also speak with Dave Sweeney Nuclear-free campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation about what's happening with nuclear power being pushed as a climate solution post Cop28.  On 21 March 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Prime Minister of Belgium will invite world leaders for the "first ever nuclear energy summit" in Brussels. The nuclear industry and its political supporters will be looking for some cash under the pretext of the climate crisis.  You can sign on to the civil society statement against nuclear power that is to be used at the IAEA promotion in Brussels later in March.

We speak with Winiata & Karina from Beyond Uranium Canberra about the upcoming Peace Walk Against AUKUS - a month long walk from Port Kembla to Canberra that starts on March 17. They are raising funds to support the walk so please donate if you can!  We are also joned by Maeve Larkins from Students Against War to hear about their protest at the opening of the Nuclear Innovation Hub by Minister for Defence Insutry Pat Conroy at the University of New South Wales on Thursday 22 February. 

This show features two interviews concerning people's solidarity actions with Palestine. The first interview is between Inez Winters, from the Thursday Breakfast show on 3CR, and Hume For Palestine member, Waseem Razvi, he speaks about the organising of Hume for Palestine, the rallies they have been holding at HTA (Heat Treatment Australia) In Campbellfield in Melbourne's north and how HTA is tied up with weaponry going to Israel. The second interview is between Jan Bartlett, of 3CR's Tuesday Hometime show, and Nic Maclellan, a Journalist who focuses on defence, security and justice issues in the Pacific, and speaks about the growing support in Pacific nations for Palestine. 

On today's program, we will be hearing from Mia Pepper from Nuclear Free WA speaking outside the Deep Yellow AGM in Perth on Friday 24 November.  Deep Yellow are the owners of the Mulga Rock uranium project and the proposal would involve the clearing of almost 4,000 hectares of native vegetation that is home to many species including the endangered Sandhill Dunnart, the establishment of 4 open pits strip mined and back filled, usage of around 15 million litres of water a day and would produce around 32,000 tonnes of radioactive waste. We also bring you an interview by Thursday Breakfast's Priya Kunjan with Carmen - a member of Mpartnwe for Palestine who blockaded Pine Gap on Monday 27 November in protest against the military facilities participation in the war on Palestine.  It is with heavy hearts that we bring news of the passing of Arabunna Elder, Uncle Kevin Buzzacott – Great First Nations warrior, peacemaker, educator, artist, firekeeper, protector of culture and country, friend and inspiration to so many, and tireless campaigner and mischief maker in the struggle against colonisation and the destruction of land by mining companies and other developments.Uncle Kevin travelled from his homelands at Kati Thunda - Lake Eyre and the sacred mound springs at the southern end of the Great Artesian Basin, to the world bringing the message of peace and healing and a vision of a safe and nuclear free future for the young ones coming through. He made the world a better place for us to be in always reminded us to remember the wisdom of the old people and work for the children of the future.  And he made sure this serious work was fun and full of heart and optimism.  He will be greatly missed and celebrated.  His family invites you to send love and support, stories and images through to memoriesforuncledadpop@outlook.com. His family will be establishing a place to share stories of his life.On December 1 every year, the West Papuans raise the morning star flag in their ongoing struggle for freedom from colonial rule and the genocide of their people.  The West Papuans have been subject to state violence from Indonesia for the last 60 years, supported by foreign states and weapons corporations.  One of the corporations that is profiting from is Thales and you are invited ot join Wage Peace in blockading Thales factory in Bendigo.  Bring a picnic to Finn st North Bendigo 11am Tuesday 5 December.  We will hear the words of Uncle Kevin Buzzacott speaking at a Free West Papua event some years ago.  He speaks about the Freedom Flotilla to West Papua.Thanks to the Nuclear Free Collective at Friends of the Earth Melbourne for their ongoing support fo the show.We hope to see you at the Latin America, Australia & Asia Pacific Solidarity Gathering – Multinationals Out! conference from 8-10 December organised by LASNET.Music on the show was Biak Meos Karu by The Black Sistaz

On today's program, we hear from 3 fantastic community organisers about the work of demilitarisation, countering extractivism and building for peace, justice and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. Zelda Grimshaw from Wage Peace brings us report backs from recent actions at Defence Minister Richard Marles office in Geelong and Thales Australia's headquarters in Melbourne and an invitation to join the upcoming event Blockade Thales, Finn St. North Bendigo at 11am Tuesday 5 December. Marisol Salinas fills us in on the Latin American Solidarity Network's upcoming conference Multinationals Out! from 8-10 December that will bring grassroots campaigns across Latin America, Australia & Asia Pacific Region to counter extractivism. Gem Romuld Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Australia will set the scene for the next chapter in the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as they prepare for teh Second Meeting of State Parties in New York this coming week.We finish the show with the worlds of the great peacemaker Arabunna Elder Kevin Buzzacott.Music featured is 'Tell the World' by Combat Wombat from their Just Across The Border album. 

As we approach the CoP 28, United Nations Climate Change Conference that starts in Dubai on November 30, the nuclear industry continues to promote itself as climate friendly in a massive and well-funded distraction from effective action to address the climate catastrophe.Don't Nuke the Climate, a global civil society initiative with members and supporters from environment, First Nation, trade union, faith, public health and other sectors, has produced two new videos calling on national governments and the global community to embrace and adopt safer, cheaper, faster and more deployable renewable power technologies.Today we'll bring you some of the speeches from Don't Nuke the Climate's launch event of two short videos on Nuclear and Climate change and Small Modular Reactors.We'll hear coordinator of the Friends of the Earth Melbourne Nuclear Free Collective Sanne de Swart, Tim Judson from Nuclear Information and Research Service - a US non-profit organization devoted to a nuclear-free, carbon-free world, Mia Pepper from Don't Nuke the Climate and Ryoko Kose from Fukushima, Japan. 

The 2023 AGM of BHP Group Limited was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, on Wednesday 1 November 2023.  Arabunna Elder Kevin Buzzacott prepared a statement and today we hear from Donna Abdulla who attended the AGM to present the statement.  The wide ranging conversation shows many intersecting issues at play where these extractive industries operate and situates them in the ongoing project of colonisation.ARABUNNA ELDER  KEVIN BUZZACOTT's STATEMENT TO THE BHP AGM ON THE 1st NOV 2023, ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTREThis is Kevin Buzzacott speaking from Alberrie Creek, SA.Western Mining started off Olympic Dam in the 80s and made big trouble for our people. They were fully supported by the South Australia and the Australian Governments.  Despite the arguments back then, the Government should have moved in and shut it down, but instead, they supported Western Mining to move in and establish Olympic Dam at Roxby Downs. And they allowed shonky deals to continue WITHOUT PROPER CONSULTATION with Arabunna people and others. Since Native Title began, we have Native Title Corporations running the affairs of Finniss Springs, Stuarts creek and other places.Our old people set up these places and homelands for our people to live on, NOT for mining, and that's how it should be. All our black people from Finniss Springs are suffering because of the Government allowing mining developments.I believe there is wheeling and dealing happening as we speak.I would like the Government to hand back these places to the full Arabunna Common Law holders.And I would like upfront meetings ASAP  to discuss any inconveniences that it might cause.The old Finniss Springs and surrounding areas are too valuable, too precious, to be destroyed for mining. If necessary, we will call a full meeting with all people from all walks of life who care about the land.I have seen and witnessed my old people go to their graves worried and stressed out about their old country. I have seen the damage to the mound springs since mining began. The trees that have died.     We can see the changes, the effects of mining on our sacred lands.  It is still happening now, and it has to stop.Please take this as urgent.There are new families, new generations of our people who want Finniss Springs as their homeland. Some have never been there before. It is their right, and their heritage which cannot be denied.Contact me at Finniss Springs.Kevin Buzzacott 

Arabunna Elder, Uncle Kevin Buzzacott, has returned to be on Country, by the sacred Mound Springs and Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre). In today's show we feature current recordings of Uncle Kevin, speaking from Country, about the ongoing struggle to protect Country. We also cast back to audio from the 2016 Lizard Bites Back, a protestival at the gates of the Olympic Dam uranium mine, which continues to be fiercely opposed, including at the recent AGM of mining giant BHP Biliton. Uncle Kevin Buzzacott 2023 audio is from videos by 'Decolonise Mob' 

This week we bring you recordings from two public events on Collins Street Melbourne that are calling for justice and reparations for those directly impacted by industrial disasters.  On 15 September a delegation of First Nations people representing communities experiencing the ongoing consequences of the Mariana tailings dam collapse at BHP's Samarco mine in Brazil visited BHP's global headquarters seeking justice.  Eight years have passed since the disaster that saw 60 million tonnes of highly toxic mining waste obliterate the Doce River for 700 kilometers and the communities living alongside it suffer still today.  On 27 October Friends of the Earth's Nuclear Free Collective and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons visited the British Consulate and the offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade calling for an apology to First Nations impacted by the British atomic tests 70 years ago, a clean-up of the Emu Field and Maralinga test sites and to sign on to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Today we speak with Zelda Grimshaw from Wage Peace about the upcoming ‘Disrupt Sea Forces' mobilisation that aims to disrupt the naval version of Land Forces, ‘Indo Pacific 2023' at the Sydney Harbour Convention Centre from 5-9 November. They are welcoming peace and climate justice allies to gather in opposition to the weapons manufacture and to work towards #EarthcareNotWarfare. Wage Peace won World Beyond War's ‘War Abolisher of the Year award' this year. We also hear about the Peace Pod listening parties that you can join online for their recently released podcast series ‘Get your armies off our bodies' and bring you an excerpt from the episode ‘Always was, Always will be' featuring Googatha Mula elder Aunty Sue Coleman-Haseldine.

On the 15th of October 1953, the first British Atomic test on mainland Australia was undertaken on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands, in the north west of South Australia. 70 years on, the legacy of contamination of the land and the intergenerational health impacts remain unaddressed. First Nations people did not consent to the tests and weren't warned. They were heavily impacted by the radioactive fallout, the ‘Black Smoke', and have still not received an apology. Rather they face further nuclear colonialism and the question of where high level radioactive waste from the AUKUS nuclear submarines will end up looms large. We bring you part of a conversation between Anangu-Yankunytjatjara woman Karina Lester and Gunai-Kurnai broadcaster Bunjileenee Robbie Thorpe from his program Bunjil's Fire on Wednesday 10th of October.  Listen to the full interview here.

Today on the program we will connect with co-convenors of the newly formed organisation 'Nuclear Free WA', Mia Pepper and KA Garlick, who bring us updates on all things nuclear in Western Australia.  They also announce the Nuclear Free West Australia Peace Walk - 2023 on 29 October, that will begin at the WA base of one of the world's largest weapons corporations and builder of nuclear submarines - BAE System to the HMAS Stirling 2023, calling for No AUKUS and No Nuclear Subs.We then bring you a powerful song and speech from Daniel Garlett, a Noongar man from Whadjuk Yued Ballardong cultural groups, that KA recorded at a Hiroshima Day rally in Boorloo ‘Perth' on Sunday 6 August. 

We're out on the streets again - this time at the Aerospace summit in Ōtautahi Christchurch where attendees were greeted with an unwelcome party. Protesters say the summit is a weapons expo by another name. Learn more about the aerospace industry in Aoteraoa New Zealand, resistence to military rocket launches from Māori land and how AUKUS pillar two has increased the research and development of weapons in Australia.Featuring:Puti Moa, of Rongomaiwahine, local to Māhia Peninsula and member of Rocket Lab Monitor.Edwina Hughes, Coordinator, Peace Movement Aotearoa.Audio of speakers originally from this webinar: https://youtu.be/Us3heMvVXro?si=WHYaaHbgWKkoVldy

Dr. Jim Green,  National Anti-nuclear Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, joins us to discuss the recent visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics & Human Rights.  'Where the Australian Government sees efforts towards stronger regulations to address the risks of chemicals and pollution, communities and civil society denounce the capture of the State for the benefit of mining, oil, gas, agrochemical and other corporate interests', said Marcos Orellana.  Dr. Marcos Orellana has released his end-of-mission statement and the final report will be delivered in September 2024. You can read the end-of-mission statement here.Dr.Jim Green will be speaking alongside Barngarla Traditional Owner Linda Dare at the Friends of the Earth Melbourne Nuclear-free Collective's Nuclear Waste Info night 6-8pm, Wednesday 20 September at Friends if the Earth, 312 Smith Street, Collingwood.We also bring you an interview with Michael Joon from the Korean Candlelight Vigil from Green Left Weekly Radio on Friday 15 September. Michael is a Korean living in Melbourne and their next vigil protesting the release of 1.34 million tonnes of radioactive waste water into the ocean by the Japanese Government will be 6pm, Saturday 23 September in Federation Square. We featured the song 'Poisoned Planet' by Coloured Stone from their album Poisoned Planet released in 2022.

Millions will take to the streets in a global mobilisation to #EndFossilFuels from September 15-17 as political leaders meet in New York City for the UN Secretary General's 'Climate Ambition Summit'.  In Melbourne a rally for Whales not Gas is being organised by Extinction Rebellion and Allies of the Victorian Coast to bring the song of the whale to the city and drown out the proposals for Seismic Blasting in the the Otway Basin off the Victorian Coast.  The rally will meet at Enterprize Park, Flinders St, CBD 4.30 - 6.30pm on Friday 15 September. Schlumberger-SLB and TGS have lodged plans with the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) to seismic blast over a record 5.5 million hectares of sea between Victoria and Tasmania. This project would see marine life will be subjected to 220-250 decibel explosions of sound, louder than a bomb blast, every 10-12 seconds for several months.  This blasting is deadly for all marine life and can impact all levels of the food chain from its very foundations, killing zooplankton more than a kilometre away, to deafening whales that come to these water to calve every year.Australia's south-east seas are full of marine treasures, from southern right and blue whales, seals and bluefin tuna, to kelp forests and unique deep-sea corals.  The majority of the species are not found anywhere else and are already under threat from climate changes that have seen the water warming 3-4 times the average.Calling for protection for Gunditjmara sea country from seismic blasting for oil and gas is an alliance of groups led by the Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC). Today we bring you excerpts of conversation from Bunjil's Fire radio show on Wednesday 8 August between Gunai Kurnai broadcaster Bunjileenee Robbie Thorpe and Yaraan Couzens Bundle - First Nations artist and dancer of Kirrae Wurrong/Gunditjmara heritage who is a spokesperson for the Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective. 

First up we are joined by Margaret Pestorius from Wage Peace Australia to talk about their work, that has seen them be recognised internationally as winner of World Beyond War's Organizational War Abolisher of 2023.We preview their fantastic new podcast series Get Your Armies Off Our Bodies, that shares stories against the war machine, from peace campaigns in Australia and around the world.Then we are joined by Hamish McPherson, primary school teacher in regional Victoria and delegate of the Australian Education Union (AEU) and Frances, a secondary school teacher and member of Friends of the Earth's Nuclear Free Collective to speak about the work they are doing organising against the military agenda in the school curriculum such as the recently launched Defence Department's Nuclear Propelled Submarine Challenge.AEU members have been passing motions at their branches and are linking up across the country.  To find out more and get a list of simple actions you can take go to the Teachers say NO to defence in schools page on the Friends of the Earth Melbourne website.   

On Thursday 24th August, 2023, Japan's TEPCO electric company began discharging radioactive waste water into the Pacific. The waste water comes from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which went into meltdown following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. There is 1.3 million tonnes of water is currently held in tanks at the power plant, which TEPCO plans to release over the next 30-40 years. In response, protests have erupted across the Pacific Asia region and the world. I attended one protest outside the Japanese embassy in Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington in Aotearoa, and includes speeches from the protest, alongside a statement read by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Punu, from a webinar earlier this year, and an interview with Friends of the Earth Japan's Aymui Fukakusa from 2021.Image used under Creative Commons licence (CC BY)

On today's Radioactive Show we travel to Meanjin, Brisbane, to hear direct from the nuclear free movement at the Australian Labor Party National Conference. We hear from Gem Romuld, national director for ICAN Australia, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Gem takes us through ICAN's position coming into the ALP national conference, and assesses whether the ALP are standing up to their commitment to sign onto the Treaty to Ban the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Later in the show we hear from activist Jaimie Jeffries, she organises with the No Aukus coalition Victoria. Jaimie takes us to the scene of the rally outside the ALP National Conference and the coalition of strong voices speaking up for an alternative future. Find out more about ICAN at: https://icanw.org.au/Find out more about the Anti-Aukus Coalition: https://antiaukuscoalition.org/

On Thursday 10 August, Resources Minister Madeleine King announced that the Federal Government will not be appealing the Federal Court's decision that quashed the declaration of the Napandee nuclear waste dump site in Kimba on July 18.  This is the result of the strong resistance of Barngarla Traditional Owners.  Today we speak with Aunty Dawn Taylor, Barngarla elder woman about this fantastic win.

As the Talisman Sabre military war games held on this continent draw to close and we mark the 78th anniversary of the dropping of a nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki we take a look at the corporate greed and colonisation that see the ongoing manufacture of these weapons and create the conditions for their use.Today we'll hear from Monaeka Flores from Guahan and Shinako Oyakawa from Okinawa who are touring some of the continent with the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network's current initiative the Pacific Peace Tour and Conference.Monaeka Flores is a Guahan representative – indigenous people of Guam whose land has been occupied by US military since World War II.  They have desecrated sacred sites, poisoned the environment and an aquifer that supplies their water as well as committing crimes against her people.  She is motivated to stand up against United States militarism and the expanding bases on her Pacific island nation because of the love of her people, peace, decolonisation and anti-racism.Shinako Oyakawa is an indigenous Pacific peace activist from Okinawa.  Roughly 70 percent of the land area in Japan used for U.S. bases is in Okinawa, the stolen lands of the Ryukyans who had their homelands annexed by Japan since 1879. With the Japanese and U.S. governments violently pushing through construction of new military bases at Henoko and Takae Shinako visited the UN in April this year to highlight Okinawan issues in the context of a broader struggle for the rights of indigenous people around the world.Thanks to Kathryn Kelly for assisting in lining up the interview during a busy schedule.We also bring you a conversation between Uprise Radio's James Brennan and Mercedes Zanker with Jacob Grech (A Friday Rave) about the lesser known aspects of the building of the nuclear bomb. 

In one blinding moment in July 1945 on the white sand desert of New Mexico, humanity entered the nuclear age. Project Trinity was the first nuclear explosion, paving the way for the nuclear incineration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki three weeks later, and the ensuing arms race that plagues us still. The communities living near the Trinity site are known as the Downwinders. They continue to experience high levels of cancer and other illnesses attributable to radioactive contamination since 1945. They are calling for recognition and compensation for their unwilling and unknowing participation as bystanders to the Trinity test.This show originally aired in 2019.Produced by Gem Romuld and Andrea StevesMusic by Paul Pino and the Tone DaddiesFurther information: www.trinitydownwinders.com

On Saturday 15 July there was a Merri-bek community rally gathering on Sydney Rd, Brunswick, around the message of ‘no nuclear submarines, fund essential services and real climate action.” The rally was organised by Merri-Bek Councillors, Sue Bolton and Monika Harte. Get fired up and hear some strong speeches and voices from the crowd. Speakers include Socialist Councillor Sue Bolton, followed by Federal Greens MP for the area, Tim Read. Later in the show are ASU delegate Pier Moro and Sanne De Swart of the Nuclear Free Collective of Friends of the Earth Melbourne. 

A special 2021 NAIDOC week Heal Country edition of the Radioactive Show that we have chosen to re-play. Features Aunty Sue Coleman Haseldine, Uncle Kevin Buzzacott and Vicky Abdullah, all speaking strong on Country. 

On 12 June, 2023 the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons released the report "Wasted: 2022 Global Nuclear Weapons Spending", showing that global spending on nuclear weapons increased in 2022 to $82.9 billion!  We speak with Alicia Sanders-Zakre, report co-author and Policy and Research Coordinator at ICAN.We also bring you an interview by Phuong from 3CR's Tuesday Breakfast Show with Sanne Deswart, Coordinator of the Nuclear Free Collective at Friends of the Earth Melbourne, about the work of the collective and their upcoming fundraiser event: '25 years since Jabiluka Blockade - No to AUKUS Art Auction'.Find the event of Facebook here.We also played the track 'Keep On Pushing Back' by Mat Ward from his newly released album called 'Climate Wars – an album for the end of times', available on bandcamp.Thanks to everyone that supported 3CR and The Radioactive Show Radiothon fundraiser.  If you would like to donate please go to the crowdraiser.

Dave Sweeney, Nuclear Free campaigner from the Australian Conservation Foundation speaks with Asha from The New International Bookshop about the release of ‘Yeelirrie 50 years of resistance' - a collection of powerful stories and contributions about a community who have fought off three multi national mining companies over five decades under 11 Governments in a fierce effort to protect cultural heritage, the environment and to keep uranium safe in the ground.You can pick up a copy at The New International Bookshop New International Bookshop, 54 Victoria Street 54 Victoria Street Carlton, VIC 3053 or order a copy online.

On today's show we'll be looking a nuclear, peace and energy issues related to the oceans for World Oceans Day - 8 June.We speak with Dr. Jim Green Friends of the Earth Australia's National Anti-nuclear campaigner about plans for dumping of radioactive waste water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power plant disaster at sea.We bring you an interview from 3CR's Thursday Breakfast about how the impact of rising ocean levels on Torres Strait islands has seen two First Nations Leaders Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai bring the Australian Climate Case against the Commonwealth Government of Australia  over it's failure to prevent climate change. Merri-Bek Councillor Sue Bolton talks to us about Merri-Bek Nuclear Free Zone declaration and the Community Rally: No Nuclear Submarines: Fund essential services and climate action on Saturday 15 July calling to end the AUKUS pact and to address the climate crisis and housing crisis.The Radioactive Show is created with the support of Friends of the Earth's Nuclear Free Collective.  Sign up for regular email updates.Come to the Art Auction fundraiser on Friday 30 June @ Catslyst Social Centre.

On May 6 thousands gathered on the streets of Port Kembla, on Dharawal Country in Wollongong, to say no to a proposal that Port Kembla harbours the future Australian nuclear submarines. I speak to Cath Blakey, a Wollongong Councilor about local politics regarding the issue. A new group has formed, Wollongong Against War and Nukes, I speak with organiser Mel Barnes, about their growing campaign against the subs and AUKUS more broadly.   

In March this year the Australian Government 'Defence' department announced that Western Australia will be at the forefront of Australia's 'AUKUS Pathway', with more frequent port visits by nuclear-powered submarines from the United States beginning this year and from the United Kingdom starting in 2026.Today our discussion of the AUKUS military pact has a focus on Western Australia where the campaign is really shaping up.  We'll speak to long time peace and anti-nuclear campaigner and former WA Senator, Jo Vallentine and Sam Wainwright a councillor at the City of Fremantle and founding member of Stop AUKUS - WA .Stop AUKUS - WA have joined with Walyalup Climate Action to organise an action in Pioneer Park, Freemantle on Saturday 27 May 'Fight Climate Change Not War - Nuke Free Cockburn Sound'.Take actionMake a submission by the 26th May 2023 to the Senate Committee inquiry reviewing the Defence Legislation Amendment (Naval Nuclear Propulsion) Bill 2023 - a Bill to change our environmental and radiation protection laws to allow nuclear submarines!To contact Stop AUKUS - WA email: stopAUKUSWA@gmail.comAudiobed is Selfish Ambition by AUKUS.  

This week we bring you recordings from a visit that the Friends of the Earth's Nuclear Free Collective made to the Napandee proposed nuclear waste dump site at Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia on 27 March.  We hear from Barngarla elder Harry Dare, Kimba farmer Peter Woolford and concerned local citizen Veronica Skipworth.  The Federal Governments nomination of the site is being contested in the Supreme Court by the Barngarla people.Take ActionSign the petition 'No Nuclear Waste Dump on Our Country Barngarla'Donate to Barngarla Traditional Custodians to support their court battle.Go to the Barngarla v Nukes page for campaign timeline and links to more informtion.   

It's been 18 months since the leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, announced the AUKUS deal, which includes an agreement that the US and the UK will assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. You may be familiar with the persistent and determined advocacy of Western Australian Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John against the deal. I interviewed Senator Jordon so we could have a more in depth discussion on AUKUS and the ramifications of the nuclear submarines deal for Australia.

The McKenzie sisters led the successful fight to stop a nuclear waste dump at Wallerberdina Station on Adnyamathanha lands in South Australia. At the national Australia Nuclear Free Alliance (ANFA) meeting, two of the sisters (Vivienne McKenzie and Heather Stuart) and their niece (Lavene Ngatokorua) reflect on the fight to keep their homelands free of nuclear waste.Learn more about ANFA here: https://anfa.org.au/

A conversation with Ray Acheson in the 3CR studios, visiting from New York. We discuss cultures of militarism, patriarchy and militarism, nuclear submarines and AUKUS, and how to build an alternative to the 'inevitability' argument around war between the US and China. Ray is an organiser with Reaching Critical Will, author of Banning the Bomb, Smashing the Patriarchy (2021) and Abolishing State Violence: A World Beyond Bombs, Borders and Cages (2022). Ray has written extensively on disarmament issues through a feminist and abolitionist lens.   Reaching Critical WillInternational Campaign to Abolish Nuclear WeaponsJeff Sparrow, The Aukus deal is a crime against the world's climate future. It didn't have to be like this, Guardian Australia, 20 March 2023Stop cop city 

This week, to further discuss the  AUKUS submarine deal, we are joined by Vince Scappatura who teaches Politics and International Relations at Macquarie University.  He is an active member of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) and author of a book 'The US Lobby and Australian Defence Policy'.  You can read or order a copy of IPAN's 'A People's Inquiry' that explores the questions: What are the costs and consequences of Australia's involvement in US-led wars and the US-Alliance? And what are the alternatives? We also bring you a speech from Alexia Fuentes, Chairperson of Anakbayan Melbourne Filipino youth group, at the ‘A Call for Peace: Truth not War' rally that was held on Saturday 18 March in Melbourne, with an introduction by MC for the day Dave Sweeney from the Australian Conservation Foundation.Thanks to Annie McLoughlin for the recording and you can hear more from the rally on Solidarity Breakfast.The Australian Anti-AUKUS Coalition is holding a National Zoom Meeting 'We're on the path to war. How can we stop it?' that will discuss the implications of the government reports on Aukus, nuclear submarines, war powers reform & the Defence Strategic Review on Sunday 26th March, 6.30pm AEDT.  REGISTER HERE. 

On March 8 details of the AUKUS agreement revealed the Federal Government's plans to spend a shocking $368 billion on nuclear submarines as the centrepiece of the AUKUS deal that was signed by Australia, Britain and the US in September 2021.Our feature interview for today is Emma Crunch in conversation with Michele Fahy independent journalist who has been researching the links between the arms industry and the Australian government since 2009.  We also hear Vince Scappatura outlining some of the details of the project. Join us again next week for more of that conversation.LINKS:You can subscribe for free to Michele Fahy's Substack.Declassified AustraliaThe Independent and Peaceful Australia NetworkThe Medical Association for Prevention of WarReports by the globally respected SIPRI organisation that tracks military expenditure and arms sales regarding Military expenditure passing $2.1 trillion dollars in 2021 and Global Arms sales.Register for the Australian Anti-AUKUS Coalition National Zoom Meeting ‘We're on the path to war. How can we stop it?' on Sunday 26th March,6.30pm AEDT.

March 11 2023 marks the 12th anniversary of the devastating Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that caused the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This year, Tokyo Electric Power (or Tepco) is pushing forward with plans to release 1.3 million tons of radioactive waste water into the Pacific Ocean.This show features independent scientific experts who are assisting Pacific Island Forum members regarding Japan's plans to discharge radioactive waste water from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean. Part two of a two part series (see part one here: https://www.3cr.org.au/radioactive/episode/scientists-fukushima-waste-water-issue-part-1)Dr. Ken Buesseler, Senior Scientist and Oceanographer of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution PanelistDr. Arjun Makhijani, President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Panelist.Dr. Robert H. Richmond, Research Professor and Director at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory in the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The audio was recorded on January 18th, 2023 as part of a seminar hosted by the Pacific Island Forum and moderated by Rhea Moss-Christian, Former Chair of the RMI National Nuclear Commission (NNC), and Incoming Executive Director of the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).Much appreciation to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat office for giving permission for us to share this important information with you.Full seminar available to watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=jzTjCgWlFRU

The Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) heads to the Federal Courts in Adelaide on March 6 to contest the Federal Government selection of the Napandee site near Kimba, South Australia as the proposed site for their National Radioactive Waste Facility.  We bring you a conversation between BDAC director Jason Bilney and Bunjileenee Robbie Thorpe from Bunjil's Fire radio program. Follow the campaign:  Barngarla: Help Us Have a Say on Kimba, No Dump Alliance, Barngarla People.Sign the petition.Donate to the fundraiser for the Barngarla court case.We also hear from Dr. Alison Broinowski from Australian's For War Powers Reform, a part of the Independant and Peaeful Australia Network, about the US plan to station nuclear capable B52 Bombers at Tindal Air Base in the Northern Territory.Read CHARTING OUR OWN COURSE: Questioning Australia's Involvement in US-led Wars and the Australia–United States alliance: A People's Inquiry.

Featuring a conversation with three organisers from ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, Gem Romuld, Jemila Rushton and Jessie Boylan. We speak about the importance of listening to survivors of nuclear incidents, ICAN's position on Australia's recent nuclear submarines purchase, and how this acquisition seems to clash with the Albanese government's stated intention to sign the Nuclear Ban treaty. https://icanw.org.au/

Today we speak with Dr. Jim Green, National Anti-nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia and Mia Pepper from the Conservation Council of Western Australia about what's happening with uranium mining, nuclear waste dumping and the ongoing nuclear power debate in parliament. Sign up for Friends of the Earth Melbourne's Nuclear-free Collective update emails to stay up to date with nuclear news and anti-nuclear activity. Order a copy of 'Yeelirrie 50 Years of Resistance'