‘Put your big girl pants on’: Crisafulli slammed by pro-nuclear LNP member

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has responded after being openly criticised by a Federal LNP MP over differing nuclear views saying it is “healthy”.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli is refusing to bow to pressure from Queensland-based federal Coalition MPs to back Peter Dutton’s controversial nuclear energy policy and has brushed off suggestions the division could damage his chances at this year’s state election.

It comes after Federal LNP MP Colin Boyce sensationally told Mr Crisafulli to “put his big girl pants on” and substantiate his energy plans for the state.

Mr Boyce, and fellow MP Matt Canavan, have called on Mr Crisafulli to support plans for a national nuclear energy strategy including converting Queensland’s Tarong and Callide power stations into nuclear reactors.

The energy divide between state and federal MPs was made clear after Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce openly thrashed Mr Crisafulli’s energy plans, saying he “couldn’t fathom” how the LNP would meet a 75 per cent emission reduction if it didn’t support nuclear or large pumped hydro projects.

But speaking on the Gold Coast on Friday, Mr Crisafulli reiterated that nuclear energy was “not part of our plan” and insisted the “differences of opinion” between state and federal conservatives were “healthy”.

Asked if the LNP infighting was a bad look in the lead-up to the October election, he said he took “a different view”.

“I like being a member of a political party where people can have different views and express those different views - that’s the difference between us and the Labor Party,” he said.

David Crisafulli at Parliament House on Sunday morning. Picture Lachie Millard

“Canberra will have a different view on this issue, I understand that, but I want Queenslanders to know that we’ve got a plan and we’re focusing on the issues that Queenslanders tell us are important to them.

“Of course there’ll be differences of opinion (between) different levels of government; that’s OK, that’s healthy.”

Mr Crisafulli said the state opposition already had an “affordable, reliable and sustainable” energy plan, including bringing the Callide power plant back online and “achievable” small-pumped hydro projects.

Earlier, Mr Boyce had accused his fellow party member of not being able to “read the political room”.

LNP MP Colin Boyce near the Callide Power Station.

“He got the Voice wrong, he got the Treaty wrong, he got emissions wrong and now they’ve got nuclear wrong,” he said.

“Please explain how you’re going to keep the drag lines going, the trains, cement, gas industries which all rely on base load power.

“At some point he’s going to have to substantiate his position. You can’t keep hiding with your head in the sand.”

He then called on Mr Crisafulli to “ his big girl pants on and face the energy issues”.

Mr Crisafulli on Thursday again refuted claims he would rollover on nuclear policy should Peter Dutton become Australia’s next Prime Minister, stating his position was “not changing”.

He also argued that the internal party divide was healthy and served as proof the LNP were “a stronger entity” than Labor, but refused to be drawn on whether he considered nuclear a cheaper energy option.

“We can have a difference of opinion, we can accept that,” he said.

Peter Dutton and David Crisafulli have differing views on nuclear power for Australia.

Responding to Mr Boyce’s claims that he had a non-existent energy plan, Mr Crisafulli again refused to be drawn into the federal debate, saying Mr Boyce was free to campaign on federal energy policy as he pleased.

But he discredited Mr Boyce’s comments, reiterating his support for small hydro plants and getting the Callide power plant back online.

“Mr Boyce made his decision to run for federal parliament and he is free to campaign on federal energy policy,” he said.

“When it comes to our state team, our position has not changed as we are focused on delivering our plan for an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy mix that includes achievable, smaller pumped-hydro projects and maintenance guarantees on power plants, like Callide, to ensure they don’t fail.”

The LNP did not support the Voice to parliament.