Anthony Albanese, the Labor Party leader, is gearing up to make a bold move regarding nuclear power as the election campaign enters its final stretch. With just 10 days left until the polls open, Labor is strategically positioning itself to increase voter support in pursuit of a majority government win.
At the start of the campaign, many pundits dismissed the idea of Prime Minister retaining power with a majority in Parliament. However, recent shifts in voter sentiment in Victoria have given ALP hope that such an outcome is indeed achievable. The issue of nuclear power has been simmering beneath the surface during this election season, with Labor launching its first attack ads on the topic three weeks ago.
One of the focal points for this discussion is Collie Battery Energy Storage System situated at Collie Power Station within O’Connor’s electorate – one of seven locations earmarked for potential nuclear reactors by Peter Dutton. As Labour delves into extensive research conducted among voters nationwide, they are now planning to place renewed emphasis on this contentious issue in their final campaign efforts.
### Voters Express Concerns
According to feedback from ALP focus groups on nuclear energy obtained by News.com.au, voters have voiced apprehensions regarding Labor’s policy on nuclear energy. Words like
“risky,”
“scary,”
“far-fetched,”
and
“dangerous”
pepper conversations around this divisive topic.
In regional New South Wales, a male voter criticized both parties’ handling of the nuclear policy: “Their nuclear policy is going to lose them the election – they haven’t thought it through – even [Dutton’s] own party is trying to get him to drop it.
”
Concerns also extend to economic implications; there is skepticism surrounding the financial viability and overall cost associated with establishing nuclear reactors across Australia. A Queensland male voter highlighted these reservations stating: “The Liberal’s nuclear policy is very far-fetched… I don’t know about that.”
### Safety and Community Impact
Safety remains a primary concern among voters when it comes to embracing nuclear power. Female participants echoed these sentiments expressing fears over potential risks posed by such energy sources within local communities.
“
People are scared of nuclear power,” shared one female voter highlighting widespread unease towards adopting such technologies.
### Political Maneuvering
While ALP continues its critique on Peter Dutton’s lack of site visits related to proposed nuclear projects during his campaign trail activities, Mr Dutton defended his stance emphasizing that his support for nuclear energy stems from national interests rather than political gain.
An analysis revealed that Mr Dutton had not visited any of the seven identified reactor sites located in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia or Western Australia despite conducting over 50 public appearances since the election was announced officially. While he contested these findings citing visits made to Bunbury and Hunter Valley areas as part of community consultations.
“I committed to it because it’s in the best interests of our country,” stated Mr Dutton reaffirming his dedication towards promoting what he believes serves Australia’s greater good.
