Coalition throws down energy debate gauntlet before Chris Bowen
The Coalition has challenged Energy Minister Chris Bowen to a debate in every town where the Opposition hopes to build a nuclear power plant and where Labor has plans for offshore wind.
NSW
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The Coalition has thrown down the gauntlet on energy, challenging Energy Minister Chris Bowen to a debate in every town where the Opposition hopes to build a nuclear power plant and where Labor has plans for offshore wind.
The challenge comes after Mr Bowen used his end of year climate statement to accuse Coalition energy spokesman Ted O’Brien of being too afraid to tackle him in a debate.
The Coalition will spend the summer campaigning across the east coast, including in areas that are impacted by the nuclear or offshore wind proposals.
This week Mr O’Brien will head to regional NSW to campaign ahead of an election due in May but expected as early as March.
Mr O’Brien and Mr Bowen will go head-to-head in a television debate on Monday but Mr O’Brien is calling for debates on the ground in communities most impacted by the energy crisis.
In a letter sent to Mr Bowen, and seen by The Sunday Telegraph, Mr O’Brien proposed they start in Port Stephens and Muswellbrook on the same day.
“My invitation to you is to align our diaries on six days in the first quarter of next year – between January and March – so we can publicly debate in at least one community in each state, where the Coalition plans to host nuclear power plants and where Labor is proposing its offshore wind zones,” Mr O’Brien wrote.
Mr Bowen said: “I’m happy to be on the record explaining our expert-backed reliable renewables plan that’s bringing down bills and emissions and securing Australia’s future.
“I’m looking forward to debating Mr O’Brien on Monday night. I hope he finally turns up with some details … around his risky nuclear scheme.”
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