Radiation Risks and the Silent Preparation Behind Our AUKUS Naval Rollout

A silent danger on the horizon

In my decades as a medical doctor, I learned that the best way to handle a crisis is to be prepared before the patient even walks through the door. Prevention is the cornerstone of medicine. Yet, as our state integrates into the complex, high-stakes world of AUKUS, I find myself deeply concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding our public health preparedness. The arrival of nuclear-powered vessels into our waters represents a significant shift for the people of Western Australia, particularly those living near Cockburn Sound. We are not just talking about naval logistics. We are talking about the potential for radiological incidents that could impact thousands of families in the southern suburbs.

The weight of the unknown

My concerns are grounded in the simple reality of risk management. If a leak or an accident were to occur at Fleet Base West, are our hospitals truly ready to handle radiation poisoning? Do they have enough stable iodine on hand? When I raised these questions in the Legislative Council today, the response felt somewhat detached from the anxiety that many of my constituents are feeling in their own homes. The government speaks of plans and processes, but words on a paper do not offer the same security as a fully equipped, well-supplied medical facility ready to act at a moment’s notice. When we downplay the risks of such a profound change to our infrastructure, we leave families vulnerable. It is a waiting room where the stakes are incredibly high, and none of us want to be scrambling for answers if the unthinkable happens.

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Evidence over optics

I believe that as we move forward, we must prioritise the health and safety of our citizens over the convenience of international agreements. My focus is always on the science. We need verifiable, transparent data about where these supplies are housed and how effectively they can be distributed if the system is ever put to the test. The government claims that they have collaborated with various agencies, including St John Ambulance and emergency management teams, yet the clarity required for public confidence remains elusive. We deserve to know that our medical system is robust enough to protect us against the risks we have chosen to bring into our bay. You can review the details of my exchange with the government in the official record. Please join us at Legalise Cannabis WA as we continue to push for a more open, honest, and evidence-based approach to governance in this state.