Editorial: Premier nukes his energy credibility

Labor is trying to turn Peter Dutton’s support for nuclear into a state issue. But so far all it has done is shoot itself in the foot, writes The Editor. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The Queensland Labor government is trying to turn federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s support for nuclear power into a state election issue. But so far all it has done is shoot itself in the foot by drawing attention to its own inability to guarantee a secure energy future for Queensland.

On Monday, Premier Steven Miles and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni released a breathlessly headlined media statement: “Nuclear will cost Queensland jobs”. The statement went on to rather hysterically claim that “the LNP’s nuclear option is a recipe for a cost-of-living meltdown”.

Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton.

“Nuclear power,” Mr Miles and Mr de Brenni insisted, was “five times the price of renewables” and that it “would take around 19 years to build a nuclear power station”.

By contrast, those who gave up the minute or so of their time to read this politically charged drivel were told: “The Miles government is focusing on clean energy jobs and has a working plan for a safe and responsible transition to renewable energy that will protect existing jobs and create new ones.”

What the statement did not say was that exactly three hours before its release, the state’s Auditor General Brendan Worrall was telling a parliamentary committee that likely cost overruns on the Miles government’s own flagship energy project – the $18bn-plus Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro scheme – could actually threaten Queensland’s transition from coal.

When the project was announced in late 2022 – billed as the world’s largest pumped hydro project – it was supposed to cost $12bn and be built within a decade. That cost has already climbed by 50 per cent, and the project itself is still only in the initial investigation stage.

Mr Worrall told the committee there is, as yet, very little detail about whether the investment in the project will actually be beneficial.

Premier Steven Miles.

He said: “It’s got to be a complete watching brief up until the business case I would think, and then they’ll have to make a decision based on that business case based on the cost and projected benefits.”

In other words, Mr Miles is pooh-poohing nuclear energy as too expensive and taking too long to deliver while, at the same time, he is promoting a massive new green energy project without knowing anything about how much it might cost, when it might be finished, or even if it is going to be worth the effort – or indeed stack up at all.

That is pretty much the definition of “pot calling kettle black”.

Now, this is not to argue the pros and cons of nuclear energy. It is merely to point out that this is really nothing more than the Miles Labor government engaging in politics – and likely doing so to cover a very serious warning from the person who watches over state spending.

Beyond that, threatening nuclear power stations in your backyard if the other mob wins is right up there with yelling “Shark!” at the beach. The words alone cause fear, despite advances in nuclear technology that mean the risky old days are now well and truly history.

In reality, there is no chance that a nuclear power station is coming to Queensland any time soon.

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli.

State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has already made it clear he does not support his federal counterpart’s position.

Mr Crisafulli makes the logical point that until both sides of politics agree, nothing is likely to happen. The politics would not allow it.

And so, rather than trying to concoct fear about things that might or, in this case, will likely not happen if the LNP wins the October election, Mr Miles should be concentrating on doing the work to prove his pipe dream isn’t just that.

LET’S CHEER ON OUR ORIGIN WOMEN

The annual State of Origin rivalry kicks off tonight with the first match in the women’s series.

The game at Suncorp Stadium is set to smash previous crowd records, with as many as 25,000 people expected to watch the Maroons battle their traditional New South Wales enemies.

The rise in popularity shows just how much the women’s game has successfully grown, and further proving this fact is that this year will be the first time three games will be played in the series.

Led by veteran captain Ali Brigginshaw, the Maroons go into the series favourites after a successful campaign in 2023.

“We always get our friends and family come to watch, but to know that Queensland is supporting us in this game is going to be huge,” Brigginshaw said.

The game will act as the start to the NRL’s Magic Round but is a stand-alone fixture and deserves all the support it can muster. It’s definitely not too late to get along and cheer on Ali and the team to a decisive win over the Blues.

Go the Maroons!

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here

Originally published as Editorial: Premier nukes his energy credibility