Nuclear makes sense for Australia

Australia is already a nuclear nation

We have had a nuclear reactor operating in Sydney since 1958, which creates medicine that saves lives.

Australia has a highly competent, globally recognised nuclear safety regulator.

Australia is adopting nuclear propelled submarines, as part of the landmark AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom.

Australia will become the seventh country with nuclear powered submarines. The other six countries have well-developed nuclear industries.

If Australia can:

  • have a nuclear reactor for life saving medicine;
  • procure nuclear propelled submarines for our defence;
  • and export uranium for zero-emissions nuclear energy.

Then Australians should be given the right to use zero-emissions nuclear energy to reduce power prices.

Nuclear is already used for life-saving medical applications throughout Australia

The OPAL reactor in Lucas Heights, Sydney is the centrepiece of Australia's nuclear medicine and research program.

Approximately one-third of all hospital procedures annually in Australia involve the use of radiation or radioactivity. Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various diseases. On average, one in two Australians will undergo a nuclear medicine scan at some point in their lives.

In Australia, radiation and radioactivity are integral components of modern medical practice, with applications spanning diagnostics, treatment, and research.

These technologies are essential for accurately diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from fractures and tumours to complex organ diseases.

Beyond diagnostics, radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment in Australia. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision makes it an effective treatment for various types of cancer, often used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy. Research and advancements in radiation technology continue to evolve, providing new and improved methods for both diagnosing and treating diseases, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare available to Australians.

Image Source: ANSTO

A long term energy plan

To ensure the prosperity, security and clean energy needs for future generations we must commence work on a civil nuclear programme in Australia now.

A future civil nuclear programme will provide cheap, clean and consistent energy to return Australia to an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse. It will mean jobs for the regions and secure our international climate targets.

Importantly, it will also mean lower power prices for families and businesses.

Getting started now on establishing a civil nuclear programme is the right decision for you, your children and your grandchildren.  

A balanced energy mix

Labor has put all its eggs in one basket with an expensive renewables-only approach to our electricity system, leaving Australians paying among the highest power bills in the world and risking the lights going out as we run out of energy.

The Coalition believes Australia must have a balanced energy mix to deliver cheap, clean and consistent 24/7 power.

It’s common sense to have a balanced energy mix and our plan is to introduce zero-emissions nuclear energy which has proven to get electricity prices and emissions down all over the world.

This means our energy mix today of renewables + gas + coal will shift to a future energy mix of renewables + gas + nuclear.

Zero-emissions nuclear energy will complement renewables and gas to get prices down and keep the lights on as we decarbonise.

Read our plan for zero-emissions nuclear energy

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Authorised by A. Hirst, Liberal, Canberra
Authorised by L. Folo, The Nationals, Canberra