John Carlson, told the Chinese they would face no restrictions at federally, but would face opposition from Australia's Labor state governments and territories, which are responsible for licensing mining and exploration. Labor, meanwhile, is divided on the issue. On the one hand, resources spokesman Martin Ferguson wants to abandon the "three mines" policy, and former NSW premier Bob Carr has called for a debate. But environment spokesman Anthony Albanese and the Labor premiers oppose change. An open and vigorous debate on the issue is necessary and overdue. The stakes are too high for the Federal Government to pursue change by stealth. The environmental case for nuclear power is by no means settled, while China's ambitions to mine and export Australian uranium will have important strategic implications that need to be discussed. Page Tools SPONSORED LINKS 1129401142541-theage.com.au http://www.theage.com.au/news/editorial/\\... theage.com.au The Age 2005-10-17 Uranium debate we have to have Opinion OpinionEditorial