SA: SA to introduce ammonium nitrate permits

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2004
SA: SA to introduce ammonium nitrate permits

ADELAIDE, April 8 AAP - The South Australian government will introduce a licensing
system for ammonium nitrate, Premier Mike Rann said today.

Legislation restricting access to the substance, which has been used in the creation
of bombs for terrorist attacks, would be introduced to SA parliament as soon as possible,
Mr Rann said.

It would also ensure more secure storage of ammonium nitrate, while a licensing and
permit system would be developed after consultation with industry and farmers, he said.

Mr Rann said he would write to Prime Minister John Howard and other state premiers
and territories, urging a national regulatory system for ammonium nitrate.

"Unfortunately, we're living in a different world than we were a few years ago and
now it's necessary to regulate ammonium nitrate," Mr Rann said.

Today's decision by state cabinet to push through the legislation was prompted by the
discovery in London of half a tonne of ammonium nitrate thought to be intended for terrorist
purposes, Mr Rann said.

AAP sl/sjb/br

KEYWORD: AMMONIUM

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