Nuclear weapons tests in Australia

Following the second Mosaic explosion, the radioactive cloud that was supposed to be taken away from the site, was sent back by wind that was not anticipated by the British scientists.

Before the tests could begin the Maralinga Tjarutja, the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land, were forcibly removed.

Avon Hudson, an atomic veteran who participated as an Australian serviceman during the later stage Minor Trials became a prominent whistleblower.

[9] Over a decade, 1953 to 1963, a series of "Minor Trials" occurred testing components of the Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs using in some instances radioactive and toxic materials, such as Plutonium, Beryllium, and Uranium.

Most of the minor trials involved conventional explosions to map out the radioactive dispersion and contamination of military assets, building structures and early crash test dummies.

[13] Veterans have claimed that they were treated as 'human guinea pigs' and that lives have subsequently been ruined as the testing had negative medical effects that last for generations, including cancers and children born with disabilities and genetic defects.

Investigative journalist Susie Boniface wrote Exposed: The Secret History of Britain's Nuclear Experiments in 2024.