MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA104

1 August 1998

Indonesia: Radiological Study

A report commissioned by my department has concluded that in the event of a nuclear accident in Indonesia, even with worst case assumptions, Australians would be exposed to additional radioactivity much less than would normally occur from natural background radiation.

The study released today was undertaken by the Bureau of Meteorology with the assistance of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). It assesses the radiological risks to Australia of a hypothetical nuclear accident in Indonesia.

The study was commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in January 1995, before Indonesia announced that its nuclear power program might be delayed until the year 2020 or later. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government.

According to the study, a combination of non-credible coincidences would be required for the additional radiation dose to Australians from a nuclear accident in Indonesia to be greater than the average background level.

For further information: 

Innes Willox: 04 1920 6890
Tony Melville (02) 6261 1555