MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 19 March 2015 ROYAL COMMISSION INTO THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE ESTABLISHED Today the South Australian Governor issued letters patent to appoint Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR (Rtd) to lead the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission. The Royal Commission will undertake an independent and comprehensive investigation into South Australia’s participation in four areas of activity that form part of the nuclear fuel cycle. Those activities relate to the potential for the expansion of exploration and extraction of minerals, and the undertaking of further processing of minerals and manufacture of materials containing radioactive substances, use of nuclear fuels for electricity generation and the storage and disposal of radioactive and nuclear waste. Commissioner Kevin Scarce said it was important that the Royal Commission is conducted in an independent manner and there are opportunities for the community to participate. “I take very seriously the responsibility given to me to engage with, and listen to, the South Australian community and engage with those stakeholders and organisations that will have an important perspective on the public debate. “Anyone can provide comments to the Royal Commission in concert with the stated Terms of Reference and I encourage them to do so. “I will seek information and views from a broad range of sources. They will be sought in a range of public hearings, roundtables, private sessions, expert consultations, through research projects and from written submissions. “I will also seek to ensure that the spectrum of views within the community are heard and that the final report reflects the wide range of positions that the community holds”. Commissioner Scarce added that one of his first priorities for the Royal Commission will be to identify expertise in the fields related to the nuclear fuel cycle who can contribute to the inquiry. “The Commission will develop issues papers on the subjects related to the Terms of Reference which will be put out to the public to assist people in making submissions and to commence a healthy debate based on facts. “There is a strong need to engage with a broad range of the community and I will be travelling around the state and further afield to gather evidence and obtain the views of those who wish to have a say on this matter. More Information about the Royal Commission and its Terms of Reference can be found at its website: http://www.nuclearrc.sa.gov.au/ Media Contact: Adam Smith 0428 645 463