Teal MPs blast Dutton’s Coalition policy as ‘too slow, too expensive’

The Teal independents have weighed in on Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy police, labelling it “deluded” and “too expensive”.

Sydney’s Teal MPs have blasted the coalition’s nuclear policy as “too uncertain, too expensive and too slow”.

North Sydney MP Kylea Tink, Wentworth MP Allegra Spender and Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps have spoken out against the Coalition’s plan to build seven nuclear power plants at the sites of existing coal fired power stations if elected to government at the next election.

The MPs were part of a wave of independents who came to power in Liberal seats in 2022 off the back of platform focused on climate change action. 

Dr Scamps said Peter Dutton was “lumping tax payers with a huge bill for nuclear”.

“It is the worst type of short-termism and ‘policy on the run’ from a desperate Liberal Party who has caved into the Nationals,” she said.

Dr Sophie Scamps. Picture: Martin Ollman

“The idea has quickly been rejected by Queensland, Victoria and NSW, and also by all the major energy generators Alinta, Origin, AGL and Energy Australia.”

Ms Spender said nuclear power did have a role to play in the energy transition but it was “too slow, too uncertain, and too expensive” to supply what Australia needs.

Allegra Spender. Picture: Martin Ollman

“In the 10 years to 2019, the cost of electricity from nuclear went up by 26 per cent while cost of electricity from solar fell by 89 per cent,” she said.

“Nuclear would cost many times more than renewables and batteries, and would push electricity prices up when consumers are already hurting.”

Ms Spender said the policy is “not good science or sound economics”.

“We can’t afford a policy of wishful thinking while we delay cutting emissions,” she said.

Ms Tink, who is at risk of losing her seat amid proposed changes to electoral boundaries, said the proposal would cost “billions”.

Kylea Tink. Picture: Martin Ollman

“Peter Dutton has also not explained how much it will cost to purchase these seven sites from their current owners. These costs will all be borne by Australian taxpayers,” Ms Tink said. 

“Peter Dutton’s policy will also inevitably lead to higher energy bills for Australians, extend the life of coal in Australia, and delay the progress we are making to build an economy powered by clean, cheap and abundant renewable energy.”

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: Nikki Short

Ms Tink said the move to nuclear will also send “the wrong message to investor and business”.

“At a time when we need to be accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, and maximising the huge economic and social benefits that this brings, this announcement is a cynical distraction,” he said.

“This policy is about nothing more than the Coalition playing politics and protecting the Dutton Opposition’s fossil fuel mates. It is not a serious energy or climate policy and should be treated as such.”

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Originally published as Teal MPs blast Dutton’s Coalition policy as ‘too slow, too expensive’