NSW Labor has today called on the NSW Government to clarify what their position on nuclear energy actually is, after Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean changed his position in relation to the technology.
 
On 2GB radio this morning Matt Kean said:
 
“Of course we’d be open to looking at options like nuclear if they were commercially available. Small modular nuclear reactors are exciting technology which may come available in the future”.
 
When the issue has previously been raised Matt Kean has said that supporters of nuclear energy were supporting energy that was “more expensive electricity which is less safe and dirtier” and likened a domestic nuclear industry to “flying cars”.
 
When Federal Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton raised the issues in June, Treasurer Kean said that the federal Liberals were “chasing unicorns”.
 
Penny Sharpe, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for the Environment said:
 
“Today Matt Kean has done an about face on another significant issue facing NSW.”
 
“The Treasurer and the Premier must publicly make clear what their plans are in relation to nuclear power in NSW.”
 
Jihad Dib, Shadow Minister for Energy & Climate Change, said:

“The Minister needs to focus on things he can control like recalling Parliament to place caps on energy prices, delivering relief to households and getting new renewable generation into the grid.”
 
“After 12 years of privatisation and soaring energy prices as a result, the Minister needs to do his job instead of chasing his own unicorns.”

PENNY SHARPE MLC
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

JIHAD DIB MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE