Antinuclear

Labor announces surprise parliamentary inquiry into nuclear power, raising hopes of an ‘adult conversation’

ABC, By chief digital political correspondent Jacob Greber, 10 Oct 24

In short: 

Labor has launched a parliamentary inquiry into nuclear power, which it hopes will expose shortcomings in the opposition’s plans.

But the Coalition says it is ready to “come to the party” and profile arguments in favour of nuclear.

What’s next?

Labor, the Coalition and crossbench will nominate members of the committee, due to report back no later than April 30.

An energy expert has welcomed Labor’s decision to establish a parliamentary inquiry into nuclear power, saying open consideration of the technology is better than the federal government’s current position of seeking to “pooh-pooh the whole thing”.

Labor surprised the Coalition by announcing on Thursday that it will report no later than April 30 on the deployment of nuclear power, including small modular reactors.

Tony Wood, an energy specialist at the Grattan Institute, said “anything that begins to open up an adult conversation about nuclear power is a good thing”.

“In some ways, it’s better than what the government was doing, which is pooh-pooh the whole thing.”

The government-dominated House of Representatives committee will look at deployment time frames, uranium transport, supply, storage and enrichment capability, water impacts, and costs and consequences for electricity affordability.

Labor hopes the inquiry — which the ABC understands was initiated by backbenchers led by Hunter Valley MP Dan Repacholi — will fill the information void left by the Coalition’s repeated delays in releasing its planned nuclear policy or economic modelling.

Voters have ‘many questions’, Labor MP says

Mr Repacholi said voters in his electorate and around the nation have “many questions” about the opposition’s plan to build several nuclear power stations.

“Whether they support or oppose the scheme, the questions raised by Australians show they want more details,” he said.

“Right now, the information Australians need to fully understand the proposal is simply not there…………………………. more https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-10/labor-announces-nuclear-power-inquiry/104456124

October 11, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics