LNP government faces pressure on nuclear issue as Dutton eyes victory

The Queensland Government might not be keen to lift its nuclear ban, but if Peter Dutton claims victory in this year’s federal election, the state could face pressure to reconsider its stance.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (right) and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli during the LNP Convention in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled / NewsWire

The Queensland Government might not be keen to lift its nuclear ban, but if Peter Dutton claims victory in this year’s federal election, the state could face pressure to reconsider its stance.

With the Coalition leading in the polls and an election date tipped for May, speculation is building over whether Dutton’s pro-nuclear energy agenda could push Queensland to rethink its laws, which currently ban uranium mining — the key fuel for nuclear fission — and the construction of nuclear reactors.

Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, doubled down this week on the state’s position, stating, “We’ve been very clear, it’s not part of our plan, and we remain committed to that plan.”

However, when asked whether a federal Coalition win could influence the state’s position, Minister Last left the door slightly ajar.

“We’ll have those discussions if that were to eventuate, but at this point, the Premier’s been very clear — it’s not part of our plan,” he said.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last. Picture: Evan Morgan

Opposition Leader Steven Miles has called on Premier David Crisafulli to clarify his position on nuclear energy.

“If Peter Dutton’s nuclear policy is not part of the LNP’s plan, David Crisafulli should come clean on what his plan actually is,” he said.

“Right now, it seems David Crisafulli and the LNP’s only energy policy is turning the lights out as we saw in the state’s southeast this week.”

Water sampler Phil Young at the hillside entrance to the Ben Lomond shaft, in March 1991.

The Burdekin MP will likely face pressure on the uranium issue in his own backyard from the North Queensland Conservation Council.

The group have held up the controversial Ben Lomond uranium deposit, located 50km west of Townsville, as a cautionary tale of the potential risks involved in such projects.

Before it was closed in 1981, heavy rain washed radioactive material from a tailings dump on the proposed mine site into Keelbottom Creek, which feeds into the Burdekin River.

“Townsville locals deserve assurances that the dangerous Ben Lomond Uranium Mine will not be allowed to threaten our community with its toxic waste again,” Coordinator Crystal Falknau said.

Originally published as LNP government faces pressure on nuclear issue as Dutton eyes victory