‘Listening to the Australian people': Liberal nuclear policy under ‘review'
Newly elected Liberal deputy leader Ted O'Brien has confirmed the Coalition's controversial nuclear policy is under 'review' as the party looks to rebuild following a 'bruising election'.
The opposition went to the election with a pitch to build seven new nuclear sites across the nation; a policy mostly developed by Mr O'Brien as former shadow energy minister.
However, the plan became a sticking point for many voters, who felt the Coalition were unable to provide a real timeline or estimated costs for the proposed reactors ahead of May 3.
In a heated exchange with Sarah Ferguson on ABC's 7.30 on Wednesday night, Mr O'Brien was grilled about the party's future plans on nuclear.
Mr O'Brien said the party would be 'listening a lot' to Australians over the coming months and reviewing several of their policies, including nuclear.
'There is no doubt that as we now review our pathway forward, all policies, including our energy policy will be under review,' Mr O'Brien said.
'I think that is what the Australian people would expect. And we will take our time to do it.'
Ms Ferguson asked Mr O'Brien to be 'realistic' about the plan.
'Everyone saw you as both architect and spokesman,' she said.
'In the extremely unlikely scenario where you win the next election, it will be too late for a large-scale nuclear build-out to replace coal. So, where is your nuclear policy now with that realistic timeline in mind?'
Mr O'Brien said that the party would not be rushed on the issue.
'People will have views, like the view you put, that you think that if it were taken forward, it might be too late,' he said in response.
'We will be listening to all of this, as we recalibrate our policies moving forward. Our priority is to get it right.'
Ms Ferguson pushed back.
'Let's come back. You suggested there that I was expressing a view. I wasn't expressing a view, I was putting to you the proposition that even if in an unlikely scenario where the Coalition were to win the next election, it would be too late to build a set of large nuclear reactors to replace coal-fired power stations,' she said.
'I want to be crystal clear. Are you saying it is still possible for nuclear reactors in Australia to replace ageing coal-fired power stations?'
Mr O'Brien said at this stage, no policy was 'out and gone'.
'Nor will we say any policy is accepted and locked in. Our job now is to ensure that we are understanding the message that the Australian people have sent us, and that means with need to engage with Australia, listen to Australians.
'That is what we will be doing. That's with a big dose of humility, I might say.'
After being voted in as Liberal leader on Tuesday, Sussan Ley said she was eager to 'do things differently' and have a 'fresh approach' – however her opinions on nuclear remain unclear.
However, with Mr O'Brien now in the deputy seat it will take some convincing for the party to change tact.
During Dutton's campaign, Ms Ley called nuclear a 'clear plan' and a 'better pathway forward for this country'.
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