The majority of Australians are in favour of developing a nuclear power industry in order to cut emissions and phase out coal-fired power stations, but this is unlikely to take place because lawmakers are divided on the issue.
According to the results of a recent survey, 53% of Australians are in favour of “building nuclear power plants to supply electricity and reduce emissions,” while only 23% are against the idea.
Even while the party in charge of formal government is opposed to it, Greens supporters are warming up to the idea: 44 percent are in favor, compared to 30 percent against.
In addition, the nuclear option received acceptance from voters affiliated with the Coalition at a rate of 70%, with only 13% expressing opposition, and from Labor supporters at a rate of 52%, with only 27% expressing opposition.
According to the right-leaning think tank the Institute of Public Affairs’ Daniel Wild, who commissioned the research, lawmakers should collaborate to find a solution.
‘Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton should come together and show leadership to repeal the ban on nuclear power in Australia, which can provide low-cost and reliable base-load power,’ he said.
There has been no indication of a policy shift from the Labor Party or the Greens, who have the ability to block legislation in the Senate, despite growing indications that the Coalition will explore nuclear alternatives to provide clean energy.
The Green Party has said in their policy statements that they support the elimination of nuclear power worldwide as well as the termination of uranium mining and exports from Australia.
The leader of the Green Party, Adam Bandt, has been quoted as saying that the decision of the Morrison government to purchase nuclear submarines places “floating Chernobyls” in the middle of major cities.
After boosting their numbers in the election, the Green Party now has control of 10 seats in the Senate. This gives them the potential to hold the balance of power and prevent legislation from being passed unless all of the major parties agree to it.
On the other hand, the Green Party in Finland recently voted to support nuclear power as a source of energy with minimal emissions.
The leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, has asserted that rising energy prices are a direct effect of the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050 related to climate change.
As a result of power outages at coal-fired power facilities, the cold weather, and a shortage of gas, home electricity costs in Australia have skyrocketed, putting pressure on consumers to the point of collapse.