June 8, 2022
Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has renewed a push for nuclear energy to become part of Australia’s future.
In a tweet published on Wednesday morning, Mr Littleproud said he had written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asking him to consider nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy mix.
“Can we make it safe, affordable and reliable in Australia? We need to have this conversation and if opportunities exist – back ourselves,” Mr Littleproud wrote.
This is not the first time a Queensland LNP politician has called for nuclear power.
In July 2019, former Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd told Parliament a debate had to start.
“My opinion is that nuclear has to be debated. It’ll take 20 years to build a nuclear power station and so the debate must start sooner rather than later,” he said.
“All those deniers out there should think about just where we are going. Renewables have a place, and I admit that. However, nuclear has to be considered for future generation of cheap, reliable and affordable power in Australia.”
Answering an interjection, Mr O’Dowd said: “Yes, put it anywhere you like. My area would accept it. Not a problem.”
In a later media release, Mr O’Dowd said there was “a cloud of misconceptions” about nuclear power because of the “very publicised” incidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima.
“Today’s nuclear energy is safer, more reliable and affordable,” he said.
“There are currently 50 countries around the world using nuclear power from 450 nuclear reactors. Australia has 40 per cent of the world’s uranium and providing the technology is there, why not?”
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy held a six-month inquiry into the prerequisites for nuclear energy in Australia in 2019.
Chaired by LNP Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien, the committee recommended the Australian Government consider the prospect of nuclear energy technology as part of its future energy mix.
The committee also recommended undertaking work to progress the understanding of nuclear energy technology, and allow a partial lifting of the moratorium on nuclear energy.
Labor members on the committee and Independent Zali Steggall delivered dissenting reports.
- External link: Nuclear Energy Report
- Related article: Inquiry Opens Into Nuclear Future
