McMahon calls for nuclear energy, says NT is ‘dole bludger’ on climate targets

After the Northern Territory called on Canberra to set solid climate targets, the NT’s CLP Senator has gone nuclear and called for more fission power.

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NORTHERN Territory Senator Sam McMahon has gone nuclear on the NT government’s call for bigger climate targets from the commonwealth, saying it was akin to “the dole bludger telling the tax payer that they need to work harder”.

The outspoken CLP Senator made the call while also renewing her plea for nuclear energy to be opened up to wider use in Australia.

It follows the NT Environment Minister Eva Lawler calling for the Morrison government to lock in net zero emissions as a target by 2050.

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Senator McMahon has lashed the comments, claiming the NT is responsible for very little over emissions and had failed to switch on three major solar farms which had already been built.

“The federal government is doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to pollution and emissions,” she said.

“The NT government is doing what it always does, absolutely nothing.

“What she needs to realise is that having a target of zero emissions by 2050 is about as realistic as saying every Territorian will be a billionaire by next year.”

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler and Senator Sam McMahon in happier times. Picture: THOMAS MORGAN

Senator McMahon said she had introduced amendments to federal parliament to remove a ban on nuclear power in Australia, claiming it was the only way the country could have enough baseload power without non-renewable energy.

“By proposing this amendment, I am taking the first step in giving us the quickest, easiest and most reliable way to achieve net zero without destroying our economy and way of life,” she said.

Ms Lawler’s office has been contacted for comment.

The Environment Minister on Wednesday said the commonwealth needed to join states and territories in committing to climate goals.

“The federal government to come out with a target around emissions, and we need the federal government to take leadership around that,” she said.

“I think every state and territory now has their target – zero emissions by 2050 – I think it’s time for the federal government to embrace that was well.”

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