Senator Scott Ludlam, Australian Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues, submitted questions on notice today asking Minister Carr to explain the behaviour of Ziggy Switkowski.

"The Chairman of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) routinely incites and advocates activities that are prohibited in Australia under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act of 1998," Senator Ludlam said.

"It appears Switkowski has even engaged a public relations firm to promote this message at the Paydirt Uranium Conference in Adelaide this week. Did the tax payer foot the bill for this intentional undermining of government policy?"

"I tabled questions on notice today, calling for the government to clarify Dr Switkowski's advocacy role. It is routinely unclear as to whether he is speaking in his private capacity or as the head of a government statutory authority. I've asked them to explain whether the government supports his continued advocacy of nuclear power and when he'll next be briefed to ensure he's fully informed of government policy."

"The Greens support the independence of Statutory Authorities, but at the moment, Dr Switkowski is acting like a superannuated opposition MP, selling cold war-era energy policy in direct contradiction of the policy of the Government," he concluded.

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