The Coalition's proposal to build seven nuclear power plants by 2050 has faced significant criticism, particularly from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who labeled it a fantasy due to its lack of cost analysis, community engagement, and reactor specifics. A crucial aspect that remains under-discussed is the historical struggle of First Nations people against nuclear developments. Past nuclear tests, especially the Emu Field tests in the 1950s, caused severe health issues in surrounding Aboriginal communities, highlighting the need for inclusive discussions about nuclear energy's implications on Indigenous peoples and their land.
The first nuclear weapons tests on the Australian mainland were on October 15 and October 27, 1953, during the secret Emu Field Operation Totem bomb tests.
Yami Lester, a Yankunytjatjara anti-nuclear activist, recalled the immediate health impact he and his community suffered, stating: "...we all got crook, every one of us. We were all vomiting;..."
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