AUKUS subs an opportunity to open up discussion on nuclear energy: Dutton

The AUKUS submarine program will open the door to establishing a zero-emission nuclear energy industry that would boost Australia’s national security, Peter Dutton says.

The construction of nuclear-powered submarines will open the door to establishing a zero-emission nuclear energy industry that would boost Australia’s self-reliance and national security, Peter Dutton says.

At a special News Corp Australia defence advocacy event on Monday night, the Opposition Leader will also caution against “wishful thinking” that diplomacy would “save the day” amid China’s growing belligerence.

Mr Dutton will urge Defence leaders and the federal government to use the AUKUS submarine program as an opportunity to open up discussion on nuclear energy.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will urge Defence leaders and the federal government to use the AUKUS submarine program as an opportunity to open up discussion on nuclear energy. Picture Emma Brasier

“As we proceed with our nuclear-powered submarine plans, I think our nation would be well-served to have a conversation about how a nuclear power industry could complement this defence objective,” Mr Dutton is expected to say in his speech.

“It seems to me that there are strong correlations between national security and energy security when it comes to nuclear-powered submarines and next-generation, zero emission small modular reactors.”

Mr Dutton will commend SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, who will also address the Defending Australia advocacy dinner in Canberra, for “being willing to express common sense on this issue”.

“As a significant beneficiary of jobs and industry under AUKUS, South Australia is likely to be asked by the Albanese Government to dispose of nuclear waste, including end-of-life reactors,” he will say.

“It will be a significant undertaking, but a mature nation like ours shouldn’t allow the catastrophists to create a fear and scare campaign.”

According to speech notes seen by News Corp, Mr Dutton is also expected to say SA’s “significant uranium deposits” would become “increasingly important given 32 countries have adopted nuclear technology and 50 more are contemplating doing so”.

As the Albanese government deepens diplomatic efforts with Beijing, Mr Dutton will warn diplomacy won’t change the Chinese Communist Party’s authoritarian and secretive ways.

“Diplomacy is paramount and must never be neglected, but we must also be realistic lest we risk drifting into wishful thinking that diplomacy can always save the day,” he will say.

“We must put the accelerator down on defence deterrence.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will urge Defence leaders and the federal government to use the AUKUS submarine program as an opportunity to open up discussion on nuclear energy. Picture Emma Brasier

Mr Dutton will issue a clarion call for the best and brightest people to consider careers in the rapidly expanding defence industry, which is rich with new and exciting opportunities.

“In modern warfare there is a growing emphasis and importance on cyber, space and asymmetric capabilities,” he will say.

“There are vastly more opportunities to be involved in Defence today than there were in the past.

“Defence must not only continue to attract the best people, but also the people with the right mentality who might be called upon to serve in difficult circumstances we’ve not known for decades.”

Though the Coalition leader will commit to “bipartisanship”, he will use part of his speech to criticise the federal government for cutting certain projects to create budget offsets.

“Cuts to army’s programs to fund others are deeply concerning and will quickly weaken our capacity,” he will say.

“Morale will slide, as will retention rates.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles, also a keynote speaker at the event, said by 2032-33 defence spending as a proportion of GDP would increase 0.2 per cent above the original trajectory set by the Coalition.