The Wire

David Bradbury’s latest documentary ‘Blowing In the Wind’ deals with the controversial and not very widely understood issue of ‘depleted uranium’ – the waste product of uranium. The film’s release comes at a critical time in Australia’s history, as the Federal Government contemplates increasing the number of uranium mines and has recently embarked in negotiations to export it to well known nuclear power player – China. These moves have raised concerns about Australia’s lack of responsibility for its uranium with critics arguing that as the holder of 1/3 of the world’s supply it needs to impose stricter controls over its use and its waste. This issue was made more prominent last year after the signing of a secret deal between the Australian Government and the USA that allows for weapons testing throughout Australia. And while the Americans have said that no depleted uranium will be used on Australian soil and that its effects are minimal, critics disagree. David Bradbury, director of ‘Blowing In the Wind’ argues that depleted uranium is not a dead waste – it has a 4.5 million year life span making very active and very deadly. He’s spoke earlier with Paulina Vidal.