Nuclear plan for Queensland a ‘Soviet-style’ takeover: PM

Anthony Albanese has dubbed the plan to build nuclear power plants in Queensland “a Soviet-style” takeover during a blitz across the state that could decide this year’s federal election.

The comments came as the prime minister confirmed his government will increase funding for Bruce Highway restoration by $7.2 billion, restoring an earlier agreement.

The Labor leader was joined by treasurer Jim Chalmers in Gympie for the announcement, with the duo leaning hard on election messaging.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Gympie, Queensland, on Monday flanked by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.Credit: 9News

“Look, the 2025 election will be a clear choice,” Albanese told reporters.

“Labor building Australia’s future or a Coalition determined to return Australia backwards and costing more under Peter Dutton...

“Under the Coalition his vision is for a smaller Australia, is for making less things, is for less economic activity, is for less jobs.

“Which is how they’ve come up with this absurd policy which will be run by state-owned enterprises. The biggest state-owned commitment.

“A Soviet-style command economy of the energy system with his nuclear plan, because no one in the private sector would touch this with a barge pole because it doesn’t add up economically.”

Tarong Power Station, near Kingaroy, is one of two sites in Queensland proposed for nuclear conversion. The other is Callide, west of Gladstone.Credit:

The federal Coalition says it plans to convert the Tarong and Callide coal plants into nuclear facilities if it forms government.

Albanese suggested he is taking the slogan “building Australia’s future” to the election, but again declined to hint when voters will be sent to the polls.

“I’ll give you the big tip. I’m not going to the Governor-General this Sunday,” the prime minister said.

Increased overtaking lanes, a larger central divider and new barriers are planned along the Bruce Highway under the plan, with Albanese saying the upgrades will “save lives”.

The Queensland LNP government led by premier David Crisafulli took credit for the announcement.

“In two months, we’ve achieved what the former State Government couldn’t in two years,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said in a statement.

The RACQ and LGAQ – which represents local governments in Queensland – also welcomed the federal funding guarantee.

The Albanese government, which put state infrastructure projects in doubt through a 2023 review, argued the Bruce Highway warranted a special funding arrangement due to its significant freight and transport role in Queensland.

The prime minister travelled to Rockhampton later on Monday.

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