Public warming to nuclear power

Research shows the Australian public are changing their attitudes to nuclear power as pressure grows for low-emissions energy.

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien looking forward to his new role promoting the area. Picture: News Regional Media

Liberal National MP Ted O’Brien says there has been “movement in people’s views” on nuclear energy as the minerals lobby releases polling showing 40 per cent of people want the ban on the energy source lifted.

Mr O’Brien, who is chairing a parliamentary inquiry into ­nuclear energy, said “people are not locked in” with their views on nuclear power and the public could be persuaded on the issue with “facts and figures”.

“The insight for me is there is movement in people’s views and the needle of support for nuclear energy in Australia moves depending on how it is considered,” Mr O’Brien told The Australian.

“Once you actually include ­additional facts and figures about the technology, people’s views tend to change.”

The report from the inquiry into nuclear energy, conducted by the standing committee on the environment and energy, could be released by the end of the year.

Expectations are growing that the five Coalition MPs on the committee will endorse lifting the ban on nuclear power.

The two Labor MPs on the committee and independent Zali Steggall would likely oppose this through a minority report.

Research by the Minerals Council of Australia showed 40 per cent of people supported lifting the ban on nuclear power in Australia, compared to 33 per cent who want the ban retained.

The polling, by JWS Research, found 26 per cent were either neutral or unsure about the issue.

“There is potential to increase support for lifting the ban on the use of nuclear power to a majority of Australians,” the report said.

“Exposure to greater information about nuclear and its benefits, and arguments for lifting the ban, helps to counter the impact of concerns against lifting the ban.”

The research included an online survey taken by 1500 people and four “face-to-face group discussions” with groups of eight to nine people.

Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said the research showed Australians were supportive of nuclear energy: “The more people learn about it, the greater the support for nuclear energy. This sends a clear message to politicians that many Australians want nuclear energy to be considered as part of our nation’s future energy mix.”

The committee’s deputy chair, Labor MP Josh Wilson, said there were some false assertions in the research: “One of them was that it is impossible for Australia have emissions-free energy generation in the future without nuclear.”