Radioactive Show

This show from the archives 'Uranium Mill Protest on Native American Land' features recordings from the Ute Mountain Ute Native American protest against the White Mesa Uranium Mill on their land from April 2017. Presenter KA Garlick interviews White Mesa Community Leaders Priscellna Rabbit and Ephraim Dutchie, an attorney Marie Ann Tapp and Dinah women Leona Morgan. White Mesa Uranium Mill is the US only operating uranium mill and is causing serious environmental contamination and impacting the health of the community. The company operating the mill Energy Fuels is collaborating with Astron Corporation to extract rare earth and mineral sands from the Wimmera region, 300 kilometres from Melbourne in Victoria. The ore will undergo some processing on site before being shipped to the United States where uranium will also be extracted from the ore, making the Donald mine a source of a commercial quantity of uranium for the first time in Victoria's history, despite a state ban on uranium mining.

The Donald Rare Earths and Mineral Sands Project is in the Wimmera region of Victoria, about 300 km north-west of Melbourne. The Donald Project plans to develop a massive mineral deposit discovered in the 1970s. The Victorian Government approved the Donald Project work plan for construction and operation of the mine in June 2025. In October 2025, the Australian Government awarded the mine "Major Project" status. This was the day after the announcement of the US-AU Critical Minerals framework negotiated by Trump and Albanese to see billions of dollars in financing for projects necessary for producing weapons, electronics and renewables. This comes at the same time that Environment Minister Murray Watt tabled reforms to the EPBC Act that could see exemptions to push through projects considered to be in the national interest. The Donald project is a joint venture between Energy Fuels Inc. in the US and Astron Corporation in Australia. Astron will produce a Rare Earth Element Concentrate (REEC) on-site and send 100% of this concentrate via the Port of Geelong to Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah, USA, for final, specialised processing and refinement into separated oxides. Whilst Astron are saying they are not mining uranium and it's incidental thus avoiding Victoria's long-standing ban on uranium mining - uranium will be extracted during processing once it reaches the US.White Mesa Mill is the focus of a community campaign regarding environmental justice and contamination impacts to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Alongside environmental organisations such as the White Mesa Concerned Community Group, they are demanding closure of White Mesa Mill - the only operating conventional uranium mill in the United States, because of the toxic materials that contaminate air, land and water sources, threating aquifers and the San Juan and Colorado Rivers. To discuss the implications we are joined by Dr. Jim Green - Friends of the Earth Australia's National Anti-nuclear campaigner and Yolanda Badback a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Trump/Albo Rare Earth Deal - Albo must announce polluting projects won't be fast trackedIn late October Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese signed the US-AU Critical Minerals Framework: a deal where mining companies can apply for billions of US dollars to finance projects to produce minerals used to make weapons, electronics and renewable energy.You can sign the Friends of the Earth petition calling for Anthony Albanese to clarify how major projects will be impacted by the US-AU Critical Minerals deal and demanding a guarantee that they will all be subject to regular environmental and social assessment processes.

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.