In a fiery post-election clash, senior federal Labor figures have accused Liberal leader Peter Dutton of attempting to railroad nuclear energy into Queensland against the wishes of the state’s incoming LNP government. The accusations came after Coalition MP Keith Pitt claimed his party would have a mandate to push ahead with its controversial nuclear power plans if it secures victory at the next federal election.
Pitt’s comments hinted that a future Dutton government could seek to override state opposition and build nuclear reactors in Queensland, putting it on a collision course with new LNP premier David Crisafulli, who has stated unequivocally that nuclear power is “not on our agenda”. The federal Coalition has proposed installing nuclear facilities at two existing coal plant sites in the state.
Labor Warns Queenslanders of Nuclear “Forcing”
Seizing on the apparent rift between state and federal conservatives, Labor’s Murray Watt, a fellow Queenslander, fired off a blistering rebuke. “A Dutton government would force nuclear energy on [Queenslanders] no matter what new LNP premier David Crisafulli says,” the workplace relations minister tweeted Sunday. “The only way to stop expensive, risky nuclear power is to vote Labor.”
The nuclear power issue became a flashpoint in the Queensland election campaign, which saw the LNP narrowly oust Labor on Saturday. Dutton has said a federal Coalition government would be prepared to overrule state premiers to roll out its “new energy system”, insisting that “Commonwealth laws override state laws even to the level of the inconsistency.”
Crisafulli Dismisses Nuclear as “Not on the Agenda”
For his part, Crisafulli has tried to distance himself from the federal nuclear push, despite campaigning alongside Dutton and hailing their “close friendship”. The Queensland LNP leader has repeatedly asserted that nuclear energy is “not on our plan, not on our agenda” for the state. Dutton, meanwhile, has downplayed the gulf as a mere “difference of opinion” between allies.
According to a close source, outgoing Labor premier Steven Miles had pledged to give Queenslanders a direct say on the matter via a statewide plebiscite if Canberra made moves to establish nuclear facilities. State laws currently prohibit nuclear power, and Miles maintained that a referendum would be triggered if the federal government attempted to override the ban.
Dutton Keeps Nuclear Costs, Details Under Wraps
Dutton has yet to reveal crucial specifics about the Coalition’s nuclear vision, including costings, locations, and timelines. Labor’s Watt went on the attack, saying voters deserved “clear answers” and that Dutton “can’t arrogantly campaign for government without answering basic questions, like what his nuclear reactor plan will cost or what services he will cut to pay for it.”
At a federal level, we will take this proposition to the people at the next federal election, and we will seek a mandate from them.
– Keith Pitt, Federal Nationals MP
But Pitt, a former resources minister and vocal nuclear advocate, signaled that a Coalition government would press forward undeterred. “If we secure [a mandate] from the Australian people then, clearly, we’ll push forward with that policy,” he declared, while acknowledging that changes to federal legislation would be required.
Energy Minister Slams Dutton Climate Stance
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen also weighed in, tweeting that “Dutton would be a worse PM on climate than Morrison”. The Labor government has sought to frame the Opposition’s nuclear ambitions as a wedge issue ahead of the next national poll.
Meanwhile, a parliamentary inquiry into nuclear energy, which launched last week, is set to resume hearings Monday with testimony from the Australian Nuclear Association, Defence officials, Geoscience Australia and unions. The high-stakes tussle over Australia’s energy future shows no signs of abating as battle lines are drawn between the major parties.
With the specter of nuclear power continuing to loom large over the political landscape, Queenslanders and all Australians face a critical choice at the ballot box. As Dutton and Crisafulli jockey for position and Labor leaders go on the offensive, the nation’s energy and environmental trajectory hangs in the balance. One thing appears certain: the nuclear question is set to be a defining, contentious issue in the lead-up to the next federal campaign.
