CHESTER JOINS NUCLEAR ‘SELECT COMMITTEE’
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has been chosen to join a Nuclear Energy Select Committee, which will examine Australia’s future energy needs.
The newly established committee will consider a broad range of issues associated with establishing a nuclear energy industry in Australia, including existing legislation, potential sites, estimated costs, waste disposal, and opportunities for host communities.
Mr Chester said he was looking forward to a ‘facts-based campaign’ and not more of the scare tactics that had been the hallmark of the Albanese Government’s opposition to considering a balanced approach to Australia’s future energy needs.
“Energy security is a matter of national security: every country needs to be able to keep the lights on, run the public transport network, hospitals and universities, and ensure businesses and farmers can still produce goods at a competitive price, which are needed in a modern society,” Mr Chester said.
“Personally, I have an open mind when it comes to the public debate regarding the potential for nuclear energy in Australia, and I look forward to hearing evidence from impacted communities as the committee travels to do its work. “It is time for a calm and rational conversation with the Australian people based on facts, technology and environmental science, not media-driven hyperbole, fear campaigns and political science.
“My electorate of Gippsland has a proud heritage as an energy-producing region, and there is a high level of ‘energy literacy’ in the community. “I’m proud of the local workers who have kept the lights on and warmed, or cooled, our homes for more than 100 years. “Cheap energy has been a competitive advantage for our nation. Local people tend to understand the complex energy trifecta of affordability, reliability and environmental sustainability in accordance with international efforts.”
Mr Chester is supporting calls for the committee to travel to the seven sites that have been nominated as the most likely locations for a future nuclear energy industry.
“These communities which have retiring coal-fired power station assets deserve to be at the centre of this inquiry,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s important we respect those local communities and listen to their views on the opportunities, and also any concerns they may hold.
“It needs to be a fair and transparent process with a focus on facts and sharing information from experts and community leaders who can bring an in-depth understanding of local and regional issues.”
The communities earmarked to host zero-emissions nuclear power plants are those surrounding former or existing coal plants: Tarong and Callide in Queensland; Mount Piper and Liddell in New South Wales; Collie in Western Australia; Loy Yang in Victoria; and the Northern power station in South Australia
