Nuclear power is back in the minds of the federal opposition, but the government says it's not needed.
Shadow Trade Minister Ian Macfarlane has this week spruiked nuclear power as an answer to climate change, and Brendan Nelson admits it should be considered.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett has told LIVENEWS.com.au Australia has enough clean energy resources to avoid a nuclear industry.
“Australia is in the enviable position of being able to meet its future energy needs by cleaning up coal, significant investment in renewable, making sure that we embrace energy efficiency, taking advantage of the abundant sunlight that we have, geothermal power…” he noted.
“We have extraordinary sources of power in this country and we do not need, nor should we take, the nuclear option.”
Mr Garrett also argued the Opposition has no coherent plan on the issue.
“Dr Nelson has completely backtracked on assurances he gave the Australian people in February when he said the Liberal Party certainly has no plans for Australia having a nuclear power industry at any time in the future
“But within five minutes of his frontbenchers starting to raise this issue again he completely backtracks and reverses his position.”
Yesterday Shadow Trade Minister Ian MacFarlane signalled intentions to tell industry heavyweights that nuclear has to be seriously considered if Australia is to cut greenhouse gases.
Mr MacFarlane was the first MP to make such strong pro-nuclear remarks since John Howard was Prime Minister.
