Boosting Business With Nuclear Power

A report (PDF) prepared for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) by British nuclear proponent Professor John Gittus optimistically concluded that nuclear power in Australia would be cost-competitive with coal and gas. In a synopsis of his report Gittus is described only as "a consultant and adviser to government ministries, public bodies and private industry." But Australian Financial Review journalists Adrian Rollins and Julie Macken report, "Professor Gittus's Who's Who entry says he helps run Lloyd's of London Insurance Syndicate 1176, the biggest commercial insurer of nuclear power stations and other facilities in the world." ANSTO insures its small research reactor with Lloyd's of London. ANSTO defended Gittus from conflict of interest concerns stating that there were more details of Gittus's background "in Annex 12 of the main report." However, the full report, including Annex 12, has not been publicly released.