No radioactive waste dumping without community consent 

What’s going on? 

After 30 years of failed attempts to establish a permanent dumpsite for Australia’s radioactive waste, Australians are finally being asked to have their say on radioactive waste management in this country. 

This consultation is focused on setting a framework for the process of radioactive waste management and is also the first opportunity for public input on radioactive waste arising from the AUKUS submarine program -which is weapons grade material.

What’s at risk? 

Radioactive waste is some of the most dangerous and long-lived wastes on earth, posing serious health and environmental risks for thousands of years. For the past 30 years the government has been trying to dump this waste in remote areas on unwilling communities, and often in areas with important cultural and natural values. Australia now also has to deal with spent nuclear fuel from nuclear powered submarines – this is weapons grade material which has additional security risks. 

What are we calling for: 

This is too important to stuff up. We’re calling on the Australian government to make the following changes to how radioactive waste management is managed in this country: 

1. Fix outdated laws to fully protect the rights and interests of First Nations, communities, the environment and heritage.
2. Embed Free Prior and Informed Consent for First Nations people in line with Article 9 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. 
3. Store all radioactive waste safely and securely, including the proper remediation of contaminated nuclear test sites. 
4. Rule out international radioactive waste disposal, including waste from US and UK nuclear powered submarines under AUKUS
5. Reduce the generation of nuclear waste and limits the role of the private sector.

How you can help: 

Radioactive waste is a legacy that poses risks for future generations over hundreds of thousands of years. The decisions we make today will have lasting impacts. That’s why it’s critical that we set the right framework for managing some of Australia’s lost dangerous waste. Your voice is critical in building the power we need to get the laws right to protect communities and nature. Submissions are due by Tuesday 10 November 2026. 
 

We've made it super simple for you to have your say and make a submission to the Australian Radioactive Waste Management Consultation.

• Introduce yourself - what is your name, or what’s the group you represent?
• Highlight your own perspectives - why are you writing a submission? Why are you passionate about this issue?
• Be concise – make sure you only add key points that are relevant to the submission. 
• Use emphasis - make clear or even bold your key points.
• Be safe - only include information you’d be happy to see published on the internet.