Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio slammed for ‘hysterical misinformation’ on nuclear

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has been accused of pushing “sad, hysterical misinformation” after she said the state government would never repeal its ban on “deadly” nuclear power.

Victorian Liberal Senator Jane Hume says it’s a shame state Labor has decided to deny the science on energy policy after Premier Jacinta Allan vowed to never let Victoria become a nuclear state.

Ms Allan on Wednesday labelled the federal Coalition’s push for the energy source as “unfathomable” and slammed Peter Dutton’s proposal to build a nuclear power plant at Loy Yang, one of seven pledged across the nation.

The robust pushback came as state Opposition Leader John Pesutto said it was too early to say whether he would back or block his federal party leader’s plan to build a plant in the Latrobe Valley.

“They want to bring more expensive, more risky, more toxic energy solutions to the people of this country,” Ms Allan said.

“We won’t stand for that. We absolutely will not stand for that … it is unfathomable.”

Jacinta Allan says the proposal to build a nuclear plant at Loy Yang is ‘unfathomable’. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Energy Minister slams plan as ‘fantasy’

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the state government would not repeal the ban on nuclear energy, even if Mr Dutton became prime minister.

“Now, what we’ve heard this morning from Peter Dutton is not a plan,” she said.

“What it is, is an absolute fantasy.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said she had spoken to chief executives of both coal-fired plants in the Latrobe Valley, reporting that neither had heard from Mr Dutton or his office.

“Neither of them have been approached, let alone consulted about the adequacy of this site to be used as a home for a future nuclear reactor,” she said.

She sensationally claimed nuclear power plants were “dangerous” and “deadly”.

“We have had a plethora of failures of nuclear reactors and all types of technology that are prone to leak,” she said.

“When they leak, they poison the environment. When they leak, they cause cancer.”

The energy minister called on Mr Dutton to guarantee that nuclear power would not “leak and poison a local community”.

“This is what we’re faced with — this is the cold hard reality,” she said.

“We know that nuclear power is deadly.”

According to the World Nuclear Association, there are 440 nuclear reactors currently operating in 31 countries, producing 10 per cent of global electricity generation.

Another 61 nuclear reactors are under construction.

Lily D'Ambrosio labelled Peter Dutton’s announcement a ‘fantasy’.

But Senator Hume slammed Ms D’Ambrosio’s comments as misinformation.

“Lily D’Ambrosio’s comments are sad, hysterical misinformation from a minister who has mismanaged everything she has touched,” Senator Hume said.

“If she took a moment to stop demonising energy sources that keep the lights on, she might realise her management of Victoria’s resources have only led to higher prices and warnings of blackouts for Victorians.

“Nuclear power will provide Victorians cheaper, cleaner, and reliable energy for decades to come.”

She said dozens of countries around the world benefit from nuclear energy, with more than 400 reactors currently operating worldwide.

The Coalition will pledge to build seven nuclear power plants across Australia, including at Loy Yang in Victoria. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Pesutto says ‘no plans’ for nuclear energy

Mr Pesutto said his party’s position would be formalised ahead of the 2026 state election.

“The federal opposition has announced this policy just today,” he said at a lengthy press conference on Wednesday.

“So I anticipate there will be a long and detailed discussion involving all Australians, in particular for our purposes here in Victoria, the people of Gippsland.

“There’ll be a discussion that I think all Australians will and should be involved in.

“Myself, I’ll be involved, my colleagues will be involved in that national discussion, but I think we just have to understand that methodically there are a number of steps that need to be passed before all of this unfolds.”

Mr Pesutto said instead of focusing on nuclear energy, his priority was on addressing energy shortages in the short-term.

John Pesutto will finalise his position on nuclear at Loy Yang before the next election. Picture: David Crosling

“We have no plans for it (nuclear) — I can’t be any clearer than that, we have no plans for it,” he said.

“But we acknowledge that a future federal government may initiate that discussion.

“I don’t think we should be foreclosing that discussion or any aspect of it.

“If it takes place, let it progress and involve all Australians as part of that discussion.”

Mr Pesutto’s position stood in stark contrast to that of his Queensland counterpart, David Crisafulli, who doubled down on his antinuclear stance, reaffirming that he had absolutely no plan for nuclear energy in Queensland.

Mr Pesutto said he was given no advance warning of Wednesday’s policy announcement by Mr Dutton, but said the pair had discussed the issue on multiple occasions over recent weeks.

Locals protest nuclear plant

A group of protesters set up signs on Franklin St in Traralgon on Wednesday afternoon, opposing the development of the nuclear power plant at the Loy Yang Power Station in the future. Signs read, “Gippsland says no to nuclear power” and “Gippsland does not want nuclear poisoning our future — renewables now”.

Latrobe City Council Mayor Darren Howe said it had not adopted a position on nuclear energy “as it isn’t currently an option in Australia”.

Mr Howe said the council recognised that diverse energy sources would be required in the future to meet growing demands and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

He said Latrobe was Australia’s most heavily impacted and transitioning region and the council was ready to support job creation and industry development.

“Achieving net zero by 2050 is critical for all Australians, regardless of the technologies used to achieve this,” Mr Howe said.

“Any proposal to achieve net zero, that would result in the development of projects in Latrobe City, must be considered in a transparent manner that includes widespread engagement with the community and carefully evaluates the social, economic, and environmental benefits.

“We view the energy transition as an opportunity to leverage our strengths and the 100 years associated with keeping the state of Victoria powered.”

Protesters rally against the proposed nuclear power station. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Churchill woman Lynden Hanley, who was part of the “Gippsland says no to nuclear” protest, said the idea of nuclear power in the Latrobe Valley was “just ridiculous”.

“There’s so much to do with rehabilitation – it’s just not viable for this kind of area,” Ms Hanley said.

“Not with subsidence, earthquakes, fires and how close it (the Loy Yang Power Station) is to residential and farming areas.

“It’s just not feasible – and people are touting it as a short-term fix to energy problems, but it’s not short-term.

“It’s going to take years before we’re even in a place to even think about building let alone start the planning and building process.”

Churchill woman Marianne Robinson thought it was “very unlikely” there would be a nuclear power plant at the Loy Yang Power Station.

The 75-year-old said the power station was within 15km of Traralgon which was a “major population” area.

“The risks for people here are just outrageous,” Ms Robinson said.

“We’re looking at an area where three mines which need to be rehabilitated before anything can be done on the sites, including Loy Yang A and B.

“Loy Yang B isn’t supposed to close until nearly 2040 - so that mine will still be an operation until then.

Ms Robinson said the cost of building a nuclear power station would be “prohibitive”.

“It’s not a solution to energy needs because it’s so far in the future,” she said.

“We have renewable energy products here which are close to being built.

“If this is a distraction from something which is happening, it’s a delaying tactic to make renewable energy further into the future - although that is something that would provide a future for the Latrobe Valley - it’s just totally thoughtless to even consider building a nuclear power station here.”

Newborough woman Wendy Farmer said she was angry about nuclear power coming to Loy Yang and was worried about the risks it posed to the community.

“As well as considering the cost of energy and what energy would be if we actually looked at nuclear,” Ms Farmer said.

She suggested renewable energy as a better source of power for the region.

“Sure - many will say renewable energy doesn’t cut it - it doesn’t cut it at the moment because we haven’t built the renewable energy,” Ms Farmer said.

“All of a sudden, someone has spoken to them about nuclear.

“They (the Coalition) haven’t listened to the science, they haven’t listened to CSIRO and they haven’t spoken to the community.”

Ms Farmer said there were proposed renewable energy projects worth millions of dollars.

“There’s hope, there’s jobs and there’s opportunities all in Gippsland - including manufacturing because energy will be cheap,” she said.

“Why confuse the energy market which is what is happening at the moment? Delaying the transition that we are in the middle of?

“This community needs certainty - they need to know that these jobs are going to be there.

“Our young people need to be able to stay here - for too long we have fought having to send our kids away to big cities.

“It’s time to stop that - we have the opportunities here, we have the investment here, we can do renewable energy.”

Ms Farmer said nuclear power may be the “safest in the world” being operated by humans, but humans have “errors”.

“Our kids are in the playground at school - what happens? By the time their parents come and get them, they are impacted by nuclear,” she said.

“They could get sick because of a nuclear accident - why would we risk this community of Traralgon for nuclear?

“There is no need - the answers for energy are already there - we just need to embrace it.”

Traralgon Total Tools manager James Stevens said a nuclear power plant at the Loy Yang Power Station would “certainly bring opportunities” to the area, both for jobs and businesses.

“It’s definitely a positive overall I believe,” Mr Stevens said.

Social, economic security welcomed

Meanwhile, Gippsland MP Darren Chester welcomed the Coalition’s plan for energy security saying it respected regional communities and ensured any safety concerns can be overcome.

The Nationals MP said there would be “ensuring social and economic benefits” if the Latrobe Valley hosts a nuclear power station in the future.

“The Latrobe Valley has some strategic advantages due to the existing transmission infrastructure and a skilled local workforce, but more detailed investigations will be required in the years ahead,” Mr Chester said.

“I will be listening to locals, consulting the experts, and putting the needs of Gippsland and Latrobe Valley first, and endeavouring to act in the national interest at all times.

“We have a proud heritage as an energy producing region and I’m confident we will have an important role to play in the future.”

Mr Chester said a range of technologies should be used to address the challenge of supplying reliable and affordable power, while fulfilling Australia’s international agreements to reduce emissions.

He said there needed to be a pragmatic approach to the nuclear debate, including full transparency about the claimed cost savings around reusing existing transmission lines.

“Dozens of advanced countries worldwide use nuclear energy, and Australia remains the third largest exporter of uranium to help power those economies,” Mr Chester said.

“That doesn’t mean we have to build nuclear power stations, but if they are operating safely around the world, it makes sense to consider them as part of the broader mix of energy sources.”

Gippsland MP Darren Chester welcomed the Coalition’s plan for energy security.

Morwell local Victor Pisano said the nuclear power plant at the Loy Yang Power Station would create a lot of jobs for the local community.

“It (the population) will grow,” Mr Pisano said.

“I started working out at the power station when I was about 19 and people from Melbourne used to come up here (the Latrobe Valley) and find work.

“But then it got sold out back in 1995 and thousands of people lost their jobs.”

Mr Pisano said the construction of the power plant will encourage more tradies to come and work at the site.

Libertarian MP David Limbrick – a firm supporter of nuclear power in Victoria – labelled antinuclear sentiment “a relic of the Cold War”.

“The Liberal Party in Victoria needs to come out of the cold,” he said.

“The only countries that have successfully decarbonised have done so with nuclear power and hydro – and there is no prospect of new dams in Victoria.”

Mr Limbrick pointed to a Victorian inquiry into nuclear prohibitions in which workers from the Latrobe Valley and their union representatives said they would welcome high-paying nuclear jobs in their region.

Senior Victorian Labor minister Danny Pearson called on state Opposition Leader John Pesutto to “grow a spine” and reveal his stance over establishing nuclear power in Victoria.

He said both Mr Pesutto and Nationals Leader Peter Walsh should come out in support for nuclear in their own backyards if they are to back their federal counterparts.

“If these people were serious John Pesutto should be saying yeah I want a micro reactor in Hawthorn,” Mr Pearson said.

“Peter Walsh should be saying nah I want all nuclear waste to come to Swan Hill to be treated.

“That’s the true test of leadership … step up and be honest.”

Victorian Liberal Senator James Paterson said he was excited by the opportunities that hosting emissions free proven nuclear energy would bring to the state.

“It will bring down prices, provide 24/7 electricity and reduce our emissions sustainably,” Senator Paterson said.

“Advanced economies all around the world rely on nuclear and it must be part of the mix for us, along with wind, solar and gas.”

Victorian Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said as a longtime supporter of zero emission nuclear energy, the announcement was a “significant step forward”.

“If Australia is serious about affordable and sustainable energy production in a low emission economy then nuclear has to be part of the mix,” Senator McKenzie said.

“Labor is attempting to meet our future demands with an expensive, intermittent and globally untested renewables only plan.”

Nicholls MP Sam Birrell said food manufacturers in his electorate needed energy and coal could not be used forever due to climate change challenges.

The Nationals MP said businesses were also supportive of the Coalition policy because they were “frightened” of renewables not providing the baseload power required.

“We need to find another solution and I think this needs to be on the table as one,” Mr Birrell said.

Vic government criticised for opposing plan

Businessman Dick Smith said Mr Dutton’s nuclear plan showed “great leadership”, comparing his policy to John Howard’s decision to bring in a GST.

The entrepreneur said he was supportive of the Albanese government’s push to make more things in Australia but that would require more energy, proving the need for nuclear power.

“He (Dutton) just has to constantly communicate that this is a national necessity, there is no alternative,” Mr Smith said.

He also criticised the Victorian government’s opposition to nuclear energy, saying it went “against the interests of out future generations”.

“I think it’s pretty irresponsible for a scare campaign to take place, especially when so many other OECD countries have nuclear,” he said.

“There’s no warning from the Victorian state government not to travel to France, but France has 50 nuclear power stations, it’s 70 per cent powered by nuclear.

“They don’t give they don’t give the warning because there’s no measurable risk.”

Mr Smith said he believed Labor and the Greens would be forced to support nuclear energy because it was not possible for a country to run completely on renewables.

“They’ll change their minds because they’re not saying … we should cancel the nuclear submarines,” he said.