After all the budget hype, it is important that the Coalition’s plan to introduce nuclear energy into Australia’s’ energy mix does not get lost in the noise. This plan has ignited widespread debate, with many communities expressing concerns about the potential risks nuclear power poses.

The proposal to establish nuclear reactors across the country raises serious questions about public health, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous rights, says Catelyn Richards, ANMF Federal Climate Change Officer.

The Coalition has proposed the development of seven nuclear reactor sites, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and larger nuclear plants, to produce energy for Australia by 2035-2037. These sites are planned for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia.

While on paper, it appears that this is a measure to drive down Australia’s carbon emissions, recent evidence from major researchers, scientists, engineers and public health advocacy groups highlight that nuclear energy is dangerous, risky, wasteful, and will take too long and cost too much to be implemented in Australia as a sincere response to climate change.

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