Time for a discussion about nuclear power, says Littleproud
Australians might not be ready for nuclear power, but deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud thinks it’s a good idea.
Nationals senator Sam McMahon is trying to overturn Australiaās nuclear power ban through changes to a bill aimed at streamlining environmental approvals.
While Littleproud supports the idea behind it, he doesnāt believe the public is ready.
āWe need to have a mature, broad conversation with the public taking into account the new technologies that exist,ā the agriculture minister told Sky News on Wednesday.
He said politicians needed to make the case for change to instil public confidence.
āAt this juncture, I donāt think we can give them that confidence,ā Littleproud said.
āBut I think we shouldnāt steer away from the fact of trying and putting in their mind what are the possibilities.ā
Senator McMahon has the support of upper house colleagues Matt Canavan and Susan McDonald in her nuclear push.
āThe Northern Territory has almost a third of Australiaās low-cost uranium deposits and being able to use it in our own country would provide benefits to many communities,ā the NT senator said.
āThe only realistic way to bring down carbon emissions in our nation is to use our natural resources and move down a nuclear path.ā
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As is stands, the government is a vote short of getting its environmental approvals bill through the Senate.
One Nation leader Pauline Hansonās party intends to provide two of the three votes needed.
Centre Alliance senator Stirling Griff, and independents Rex Patrick and Jacqui Lambie, previously signalled their opposition to the changes.
They argued an independent watchdog and tougher environment standards were required before other changes could be considered.
Senator Lambie has also questioned why Australia doesnāt replace coal-fired power with nuclear to achieve emissions reduction goals.
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