To discuss the latest governmental inquiry into nuclear power for Australia, first up we'll hear from Dr.Jim Green Friends of the Earth's Anti-nuclear campaigner. Followed by Wendy Farmer, President of Voices of the Valley, a community advocacy group that formed during the catastrophic 2014 Hazelwood brown coal mine fire in Victoria with the aim of dealing with the impacts of the coal industry on their community and planning what the community would look like as they transition away from coal. She is also Gippsland organiser with Yes to Renewables - Friends of the Earth's campaign for 100% renewable energy, climate jobs, and strong communities.
On 19th June Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed the details of his pledge to build nuclear reactors in Australia with public funding under a government-owned business model. The Coalition plans would see seven nuclear plants be built at the sites of former coal power plants: Lithgow and the Hunter Valley in NSW, Loy Yang in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, Tarong and Callide in Queensland, Collie in Western Australia and Port Augusta in South Australia.
In response Prime Minister Anthony Albanese established The House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy on 10 October 2024 to inquire into and report on the consideration of nuclear power generation, including deployment of small modular reactors, in Australia.
The House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy is seeking submissions by Friday, 15 November 2024. The Committee will consider late submissions. If you are unable to submit by the above date, please advise the secretariat of your intention to submit and the date on which you plan to provide your submission.
Friends of the Earth Melbourne have prepared information to support you making a submission.
Emma Crunch, Michaela Stubbs, Sam Gibbard & Johan Kettle.