Australian Senator to address 6,000 in Hiroshima

Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam will address 6,000 people tomorrow, Monday 4 August, gathered in Hiroshima to mark the 63rd anniversary of the nuclear attack on Japan.

"To be in Hiroshima is a great honour.  I am deeply saddened and moved, and also greatly inspired by the stories of the hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombing," Senator Ludlam said.

"We must do everything we can to amplify their story, their message, their cry for an end to nuclear weapons. I share the dream of the hibakusha, and I join their call:  Never again! No More Hibakusha! No More Hiroshimas! No More Nagasakis!

The Australian Greens welcome the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament announced by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd after he heard the stories of the hibakusha.

"The Australia and Japanese governments are working together towards a nuclear weapon free future," Senator Ludlam continued.

"Australia and Japan can begin this effort by taking their own advice. If we want the nuclear weapon states to put down nuclear weapons, we must also find the courage and the trust to put down the nuclear umbrella.

"By remaining under the US nuclear umbrella, our countries use nuclear weapons, as symbols, as part of security policies, and as part of our national identities.

"We can continue to have alliances, but let those alliances be between equal sovereign states, and let those alliances be nuclear weapons free.

"In my country there is much suffering, sickness, and environmental damage from uranium mining.  All nuclear dangers start with uranium mining.  There is no safe level of radiation.  There are much safer ways of generating electricity," Senator Ludlam concluded.

Prior to Senator Ludlam's visit, the last Australian politician in Hiroshima was Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the first serving western leader to lay a wreath at the shrine in Hiroshima's Peace Park.

For comment call Rachel Pemberton 0417 174 302

www.scottludlam.org.au