Federal Government Annexes Northern Territory Uranium  

It seems that the opposition of the Northern Territory government to opening more uranium mines isn't going to impede Ian MacFarlane's desire to ship as much of the stuff to China as he possibly can. Who needs that democracy stuff anyway ?

The Federal Government has taken control over the future of the Northern Territory's rich uranium deposits, declaring the territory open for business on uranium. The NT Labor government had promised to ban new uranium mines, despite fierce opposition from the federal government. But the federal government sought legal advice, and today said it had taken over responsibility for the development of new mines, following a meeting between the federal and NT resources minister in Darwin.

"This morning in our meeting with the NT resources minister it was made clear by the territory government that they were abdicating their part of decision-making on uranium mining," Federal Resources Minister Ian MacFarlane said. "On that basis, and under the NT Mining Act and the NT Mining Management Act, the Commonwealth will assume responsibility for the approval of uranium mines. "None of those approvals will be considered before they have the full support of the indigenous owners of the area where the mine is proposed."

Mr Macfarlane said the federal government was taking control "for the good of the territory" and resources industry. "We can't allow this confusion to continue," he said. "This no-uranium policy is a nonsensical policy. The Northern Territory is open for business on uranium mining."