Antinuclear

The three-day grassroots federal conference in Canberra comes as some members want to separate the LNP branding in Queensland for elections, because they believe the Nationals’ brand is better than the Liberals’.

In a sign that strengthening the classification of the controversial Adler shotgun in December last year still grates on some members, a motion will be moved that “this federal conference acknowledge the National Firearms Agreement and states that no changes should be made to it without compelling evidence”.

The Federal Government is in the middle of the first national firearm amnesty since the Port Arthur massacre about 20 years ago. The Nationals’ Queensland contingent, under the LNP banner, will move a motion to promote and support the coal industry and resist environmental groups “which are determined to disrupt and impede”.

Members will also be asked to vote on urging the Government to freeze renewable energy subsidies at current level for 12 months, and then phase in a subsidy reduction program that will remove all renewable energy subsidies over five years.

They will also be asked to call on the Government to urgently adopt a comprehensive energy supply policy that includes pursuing further initiatives, including nuclear.

Members also want the Government to transition the shut down Hazelwood coal-fired power plant into a new efficient coal power station.

The Minerals Council is also urging development of nuclear energy, and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said it was a debate worth having.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce will address the conference today, just weeks before the High Court determines whether he and two other Nationals, Fiona Nash and Matt Canavan, were legally elected to Parliament.

Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls will attend the leaders’ lunch.