Radiation risks at Fleet Base West and the need for public safety

The silence on nuclear safety

As a medical doctor, I have always believed in preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. When we introduce nuclear-powered vessels into our local waters, we are not just talking about defence policy or international agreements. We are talking about the health of our community. The arrival of these ships at Fleet Base West in Cockburn Sound introduces a new risk profile to our southern suburbs. It is a risk that demands transparency, not vague bureaucratic assurances.

The doctor's diagnosis

In my clinical career, I learned that waiting for an emergency to arrive is almost always the most expensive, and often the most tragic, way to manage a health crisis. If a nuclear leak or spill were to occur, iodine tablets would be the first line of defence against thyroid damage. This is not science fiction. It is a basic public health protocol. However, when I asked the government for concrete details regarding the distribution and availability of these supplies for our hospitals and our people, the answers remained frustratingly elusive. We were told there are plans, but we were not told if they are sufficient or where the supplies are currently held. This is not just a disagreement over policy. It is a potential failure in our duty of care to the people of this state.

Finding the truth together

I know many of you are concerned about what this means for your families and your homes. Clear communication is the foundation of public trust, and right now, the foundation is shaking. If you want to stay informed on these pressing issues and ensure your voice is heard in the Legislative Council, please subscribe to my YouTube channel for more updates from the chamber.

An invitation for change

While the major parties are happy to lean on existing inter-agency committees to mask the lack of detail, we are choosing to keep the pressure on. We need to know that if the unthinkable happens, our health system is prepared, stocked, and ready. You can read the full account of the discussion in Parliament here. If you are tired of the status quo and you want a government that prioritises evidence-based safety over political convenience, I invite you to join Legalise Cannabis WA today.