Alannah MacTiernan says Australia should not rule out nuclear power as an option to tackle climate change, putting her at odds with the Labor Party leadership.
The Federal Labor candidate and City of Vincent mayor said she would prefer to focus on renewable energy but advances in technology meant nuclear power should be on the table too.
Ms MacTiernan, who has previously opposed nuclear power, said plants of the future would not resemble those of the past, some of which used “appalling technology”.
“I’ve long been an opponent of nuclear energy but the problems that we’re facing with man-made climate change are of such a scale that I don’t think we can afford to knock anything out,” she said.
“Obviously, I would much rather move to renewable energy … whether or not we’re going to be able to make the transition in time is the question.
“There is no way we would want any nuclear power stations built that in any way approximate those built over the last 30 years but my understanding is that there is a lot of research that could really (address) many things that are highly problematic about nuclear power.”
Ms MacTiernan’s comments are in contrast to Federal Labor’s opposition to nuclear power generation, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd repeatedly ruling out introducing it in Australia.
However, Ms MacTiernan is not alone in taking a contrary position - Resources Minister Gary Gray suggested at a forum in Perth last month that Australia should be open to a conversation about nuclear options.
Ms MacTiernan’s comments drew heated responses from anti-nuclear groups.
Conservation Council of WA nuclear spokeswoman Mia Pepper said the industry had yet to deliver on promises of new technology.
“Why would we even consider nuclear for Australia when we have an abundance of clean energy options that are cheaper, popular and without the proliferation risk and problems with waste management,” she said.
But the Australian Uranium Association welcomed them, with a spokesperson saying all options should be “on the table for addressing Australia’s future energy challenges, including nuclear power”.
‘Obviously, I would much rather move to renewable energy.’” Federal Labor candidate, *Alannah MacTiernan *
