While the Coalition was determined to switch Australia over to nuclear energy, voters had another opinion and overwhelmingly rejected the LNP's energy policy, writesDave Sweeney.

WHEN HE UNVEILED the Coalitions nuclear energy ambitions last June, outgoing Opposition LeaderPeter Dutton said:

As the adage says, be careful what you wish for. The election result was a resounding rejection of the high-cost, high-risk nuclear option.

The Coalitions intention to build nuclear reactors at seven sites in regional Australia was the biggest policy difference between the major parties ahead of the Election.

The nuclear push was heavy on headlines and assurances, but very light on details and evidence.

With the Federal Election edging closer, the Opposition has opened the floodgates on its nuclear policy, with MP Ted O'Brien an enthusiastic spokesperson.

Despite numerous requests, the Coalitions nuclear promotersfailed to visitthe reactor sitesor answer fundamental questions, including where the required water would come from and where the resultant radioactive waste would go.

Other unanswered questions overflowed the Coalitions too-hard basket.

What would the impact on employment and output be from Australias rapidly growing renewable energy sector? What sort of reactors were planned and how many? What would fill the electricity shortfall between the certain closure of coal and the uncertain start of nuclear? Would taxpayers bear the increased cost of nuclear in our tax bills, our power bills, or both? Who would operate and regulate the Coalitions nuclear plants?

As the scrutiny and uncertainty grew, so did thecommunity concernsand the considered critiques.

TheClimate Change Authority warnedthe Coalitions nuclear policy would add huge amounts of extra climate pollution to the atmosphere and make it virtually impossible for Australia to reach net zero by 2050.

Theinterim reportby aparliamentary committee inquiring into nuclear energyfound like so many inquiries before it have found that nuclear energy was not right for Australia.

While Australiasenergy utilities made it clear theydid not supportor see a future in nuclear, Australias insurance sector confirmed that its policies do not cover nuclear accidents.

Shadow climate and energy spokespersonTed OBrienmight have been convinced nuclear is as safe as houses, but Australian insurance providers did not share that view.

The concern was widespread, but most obvious in Australianwomensscepticism about nuclear. They didnt want to hear about it and when the issue was raised with Dutton, hedidnt want to talk about it.

The Coalition has given no shortage of statements, headlines and talking points, but few answers to key questions regarding its nuclear policy.

When the Coalition pushes nuclear, Australia pushes back. In 2007,John Howardtooknuclearto an election where he lost government and his own seat. In 2025, Peter Dutton said nuclear and Australia said no and goodbye.

Polling by theLiberals Against Nucleargroup demonstrated the nuclear policys drag on the Coalitions vote in marginal seats and across the nation, while 46 per cent of voters in Duttons electorate of Dicksonsaidthey were less likely to vote for Mr Dutton because of the nuclear power policy.

In front of shellshocked Coalition politicians on election night, senior press gallery journalistMark Rileysummed up the Coalitionsproblem:

The idea of domestic nuclear power is over.

Its time to draw a line under this unproductive distraction and get on with real action to meet our nations climate and energy challenges.

Liberal SenatorMaria Kovacichascalled on her partyto immediately scrap the nuclear energy plan and back the private markets investment in renewable energy.

Her call echoes that of theSouth Australian Liberals, which have already dropped plans for another inquiry into nuclear power, with State LeaderVincent Tarziadeclaring that nuclear has beencomprehensively rejectedby the electorate.

Defeated Tasmanian MPBridget Archersays thenuclear pushwas not the policy position I would have taken and she would rather let the market decide.

The Federal Coalition must ditch any lingering nuclear ambitions and join every other major political player in backing a renewable energy future for our nation.

Australians have overwhelmingly voted for positive solutions, real action and respect for each other and our environment.

Its time to stop playing politics with nuclear distractions and delays. Its time to get on with the clean energy transition, effective climate action and building an energy future that is renewable, not radioactive.

Dave Sweeneyis theAustralian Conservation Foundation'snuclear-free campaigner and was a founding member ofICAN. You can follow him@nukedavesweeney.

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