Radioactive Show

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.