Liberal Supporters Launch Anti-Nuclear Power Campaign
A group of Liberal supporters has initiated an advertising campaign against the party’s plan to construct taxpayer-funded nuclear power plants. They argue the proposal contradicts Liberal values, creates internal division, and risks ceding government to the Labor party.
Advocacy Group’s Stance
The newly formed advocacy group, Liberals Against Nuclear, is rejecting the Coalition’s policy.
- They claim the policy will necessitate tens of billions of dollars in government borrowing.
- It will lead to bureaucratic expansion.
- It imposes “massive taxpayer-backed risk.”
Coalition’s Nuclear Proposal
Peter Dutton’s proposal entails constructing nuclear reactors at seven sites across the nation, primarily after 2040. In the near term, the Coalition suggests it would:
- Slow the deployment of renewable energy.
- Extend the lifespan of aging coal-fired power plants.
- Increase reliance on gas-fired power.
Group Spokesperson’s Comments
Andrew Gregson, a former Tasmanian Liberal director and candidate, serves as the Liberals Against Nuclear spokesman. Though not a current party member, he remains a supporter. Gregson declined to disclose the group’s membership numbers, but stated that the nuclear policy is alienating “free market and middle ground voters” and pushing them toward “teal” and other independent MPs in crucial Coalition-held seats.
“We’re trying to save the party from a policy that will gift seats to their opponents,” said Gregson. “Nuclear technology itself isn’t the issue. It’s the socialist implementation being proposed that trashes Liberal values.
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“If nuclear energy is so good then the market will back it without massive government intervention.”
Advertising Campaign Details
The group is running television, digital, and billboard advertisements. The ads state that”many Liberals are against nuclear.” One ad features a woman reading a newspaper article quoting Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who says “nuclear fixes a political issue for us but ain’t the cheapest form of power.” The ads cite a report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, which estimates the Coalition’s plan would lead to a $665 increase in average power bills. The ads urge opposition leader Peter Dutton to “please dump nuclear.”
Gregson stated that the ads will target marginal seats across the country, including those held by independent MPs. The ads are aimed at the party, not voters.
Polling and Concerns
Liberals Against Nuclear cites polling data indicating that only 35% of Australians support nuclear energy. The support wanes once voters understand the policy details. The group’s website raises concerns about the policy’s potential to increase national debt and create safety and security risks.
Gregson indicated that abandoning the policy would generate “a couple of days’ worth of negative publicity” but would not cost the election. He asserted that “Nuclear power is the big roadblock preventing the Liberals getting to The Lodge.”
Dutton’s Response
When asked about the campaign on the Seven Network, Dutton said his policy was “based on the international experience” and stated it would cut electricity costs by 44% and provide “stability in the market”.
Environmental Impact and Renewable Energy Targets
The Climate Change Authority, a government agency, determined the Coalition’s proposal would release an additional 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and make it “virtually impossible” for Australia to reach net zero emissions by 2050, a goal the opposition purports to support.
Labor has set a target of 82% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, up from the current level of nearly 45%. The authority said that under the Coalition’s plan, the 82% level from zero-emissions technology (renewables and nuclear) would likely not be reached until 2042.
Expert Concerns
Independent experts suggest the Coalition’s policy could result in higher household power bills compared to Labor’s policy due to less competition in the electricity grid. They also noted an increased risk of unreliable electricity supply during peak times, as the system would rely more on aging coal power plants nearing the end of their operational life.