While not disputing the very significant differences that separate the
positions of the major political parties with respect to such issues as
foreign ownership, export controls, and the desired degree of domestic
processing, it can be argued that their uranium policies nevertheless
share the same profit-oriented outlook and the same predisposition to
place commercial interests above political, ecological and ethical
considerations.

Having alluded to Australia's potential contribution to nuclear
proliferation should it decide to proceed with the mining, enrichment
and sale of uranium, it has nevertheless to be conceded that a unilateral
decision on Australia's part not to mine uranium will not bring an
immediate end to the world-wide development of nuclear power. On
the other hand, given the substantial nature of Australian reserves, an
explicit renunciation of the economic inducements offered by the
nuclear industry is bound to have a far-reaching impact on the future of
nuclear power.