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The Morning Edition

Best of 2024: Dutton's nuclear plans 'slightly bonkers', but will it win an election?

Dec 26, 2024
David Crowe, the Chief Political Correspondent, and Matthew Knott, National Security Correspondent, dive into the contentious world of nuclear energy proposals in Australia. They dissect Peter Dutton's plans for nuclear power, contemplating its political implications and the challenges of transitioning from renewables. The visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang also takes center stage, highlighting the delicate balance in Australia-China relations. Discussions range from energy policy debates to international diplomacy, all laced with insightful analysis on current political dynamics.
21:42

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Quick takeaways

  • The opposition's nuclear energy initiative, proposing government-owned plants, marks a notable shift from previous policy expectations and faces economic skepticism.
  • Concerns about public perception and the political landscape highlight the challenges the Coalition faces despite some internal support for nuclear power.

Deep dives

Nuclear Energy Policy Announcement

The opposition leader has unveiled a commitment to develop nuclear energy in Australia, proposing seven sites for nuclear power stations that would be funded and owned by the Commonwealth. This marks a significant shift from previous expectations, as the Coalition previously hinted at subsidizing private operators instead. The anticipated timeline suggests that the first reactor could be operational between 2035 and 2037, aiming to align with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the announcement lacked detailed specifics regarding costs and project execution, leaving many questions unanswered about the future of the proposed nuclear energy initiative.

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