Latest news with #Dutton-led
Perth Now
08-08-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
‘Consequences': Australia's nuclear warning
A leading British nuclear scientist has issued a warning to Australia that 'there are consequences' in rejecting nuclear energy as an energy source. Former chief scientific adviser to the UK Ministry of Defence Sir Robin Grimes said such a stance would likely put Australia in a weaker position to take advantage of the AI boom and invest in data centres. Sir Robin said the issue of nuclear energy was something Australia needed to 'debate', with the Coalition vowing to pursue it as part of its energy policy. 'Yes, you don't have to go nuclear, but there are consequences of deciding to use it and not use it,' he told NewsWire. 'It means that Australia will not be in as strong a position to do certain types of industrial processes. As a consequence, data centres, (AI and robotics) are much more difficult to have if you don't have that base-load capacity available to you.' A leading British nuclear scientist said there would be consequences if Australia chose to reject the use of nuclear energy in its grid. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Sir Robin said while Australia was 'blessed with fantastic sunshine', nuclear should be considered as an alternative to costly batteries. In comparison, the UK generates about 15 per cent of its electricity from nuclear sources, with wind and gas also key players in its grid, accounting for 30 per cent of energy input. 'If you want energy security, and if you want a really robust system, then you're going to have to invest in phenomenal amounts of storage if you don't go nuclear,' Sir Robin said. 'Batteries don't generate energy. They're a tax on the energy that you're produced because you've having to store it … and the more energy you produce from intermittent renewables, the more storage you need and the greater the cost.' Australia's abundant supplies of uranium, which make up about 8 per cent of global production and are estimated to be about one-third of the world's uranium supply, could also be refined onshore, leading to new job markets, Sir Robin added. This could involve processing the uranium ore, refining it into yellowcake and converting it to uranium hexafluoride, steps that come before the compounds are enriched to create nuclear fuel. 'The question is, do you just dig the ore out the ground and shove it on a train and export it to somewhere that's going to do something with it, or do you go through some of the processes and retain more of the jobs associated with that in Australia,' Sir Robin said. Earlier this year, the Dutton-led Coalition took a nuclear policy to build seven reactors by 2050 to the federal election. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Sir Robin's comments follow an Australia-first conference on nuclear energy hosted by the University of NSW in Sydney this week. The event featured talks from world-leading nuclear scientists, including Nuclear Energy Agency director-general William Magwood, US Department of Energy deputy assistant secretary Aleshia Duncan and Sir Robin. It follows the launch of Australia's first undergraduate honours degree in nuclear engineering, slated to start in 2026. UNSW's Nuclear Innovation Centre director Ed Obbard said he believed the nuclear debate would likely grow as Australia developed a domestic nuclear engineering workforce and through existing initiatives like the AUKUS submarine program and Sydney's OPAL reactor, which produces radioisotopes for medical imaging, cancer treatment and research. 'As the nuclear sector grows, both in Australia and worldwide, discussions on civilian nuclear energy will become increasingly realistic,' Dr Obbard said. 'Assuming that we still care about decarbonisation, nuclear is never going to go away.' However, Dr Obbard said Australia having a nuclear workforce was welcomed by both sides of politics. 'It doesn't matter whether you're Liberal and you think we need a workforce for a future nuclear workforce, or if you're Labor and you're desperate to find a workforce to show the Americans that we're doing OK with AUKUS,' he said. 'Or if you're a university where you have international students coming from around the world to study engineering at UNSW. 'You've got this tripling of capacity happening everywhere, and there's a huge nuclear skills shortage wherever you go, and everyone agrees on that.' The Coalition's energy spokesman Dan Tehan welcomed the conference and said 'having a conversation about zero emissions nuclear energy continues to be incredibly important for Australia and the world'. 'More and more countries are adopting nuclear energy as they seek energy abundance and to reduce their emissions, and this is something that should be on the agenda for discussion here in Australia,' he said. 'We've committed to the removal of the moratorium (on nuclear energy) and further policy is under review.'
Sky News AU
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi refuses to concede Greens defeat after Adam Bandt loses Melbourne
Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi has refused to concede that party leader Adam Bandt has lost his seat in the House of Representatives. Mr Bandt lost the electorate of Melbourne to Labor candidate Sarah Witty after more than a decade in office. The party has nearly been wiped out from the lower house, following allegations of antisemitism, workplace complaints and support for the militant CFMEU. The minor party also blocked housing legislation as part of negotiations, despite the government's proposals being part of their own policy. Mr Bandt has suffered a primary vote fall about 10 per cent since the 2022 election, while the Liberal Party vote grew about four percent. Ryan MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown was the single Greens representative to retain a seat in the lower house. Ms Faruqi told ABC RN Breakfast that 'lots of votes… still need to be counted' and claimed that Mr Bandt could still retain his seat. 'We work really well as a team, as leader and deputy leader, and I am hoping that he gets back, and we can continue on with that leadership team,' she said. Sky News called the loss for Mr Bandt at about 2pm on Wednesday after Ms Witty took a convincing lead that could not be recovered after absentee vote counting. The seat, long regarded as the Greens' safest in the country, recorded a nine per cent swing away from Mr Bandt. His primary vote fell from 49.6 per cent in 2022 to about 40.3 per cent while the Liberals gained ground from 15 per cent to 19 per cent. Labor's vote rose from 25.0 to 31.5 per cent. Despite these figures, Senator Faruqi claimed the result was less about the Greens and more about fear of a Dutton-led Coalition. 'It's clear that this election, a lot of progressive Australians were deeply anxious about the Dutton government,' she said. 'And I think that was a factor in some of the lower house seats.' One Nation leader Pauline Hanson said that she celebrated Mr Bandt's loss by 'dancing around the house' in her 'bra and knickers'. 'I couldn't help it. I am so excited. That's the best news I've heard,' Ms Hanson told Sky News. She argued that the Greens were 'not good economic managers' and were in favour of 'destroying' pristine forests for wind turbines. Liberal MP Julian Leeser also expressed satisfaction at Mr Bandt's eviction from the lower house and said it was a 'warning to the left' about 'entertaining antisemitism'. 'The loss of the Greens' seats in the House of Representatives is a repudiation of the antisemitism of the Greens,' he said in a statement. 'In November 2023, I called on all the major political parties to put the Greens last. We did so, but Labor continued to preference them second. 'However, each Labor Member elected to the House of Representatives to replace the Greens would not be there without Coalition preferences. 'It remains an indictment on Mr Albanese that he could not bring himself to put the Greens last.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on Mr Bandt's loss and said it was 'very difficult to see a pathway in which he will resume his seat'. He also dismissed criticism from former Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather, who earlier claimed Parliament's Question Time culture was 'awful'. 'He should have a good look at the way that he asks questions in the Parliament,' Mr Albanese said. 'And maybe what he needs is a mirror and a reflection on why he's no longer in Parliament. 'This is a guy who stood before signs at a CFMEU rally in Brisbane describing me as a Nazi… So I think it's a bit rich for him of all people.' Mr Chandler-Mather also lost his seat of Griffith, along with Greens MP Stephen Bates who lost Brisbane. The minor party has held out hope to retain the seat of Ryan as incumbent MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown has maintained a lead over LNP candidate Maggie Forrest. With Mr Bandt gone from the lower house, speculation has intensified about who might take the reins of the party. Senators Sarah Hanson-Young, Larissa Waters and Ms Faruqi along have been seen as the frontrunners for leadership. Traditionally, the Greens hold a party room meeting after each federal election to determine their leadership team.
Sydney Morning Herald
02-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Who's backing who? Every newspaper's pick for prime minister
The Age (Nine): An Albanese-led Labor government 'The Albanese government has had only three years in government. Despite its failures and missed opportunities it has not been so terrible that it deserves to be the first government thrown out after one term in almost 100 years. In his profile of Australia's 31st prime minister, Chip Le Grand described Albanese as staid and predictable. The same could be said of Albanese 's government. Perhaps at this point in time, and given the choices at the nation's disposal, that is the best option available to the country.' Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Rudd), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (Shorten), and 2022 (Albanese). The Australian Financial Review (Nine): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'It's a campaign where Albanese, the architect of the defeated Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum, could not find time to visit a remote Indigenous community, and Dutton, who wants to spend billions nationalising Australia's energy system, refused to stop by a single site where he plans to build a nuclear reactor. So with a difficult choice to be made and the prospect of Labor falling under the influence of Green recklessness in the event of a hung parliament, a Dutton government that has offered up slightly more in the way of budget responsibility might be our least worst bet, as unconvincing as he has been.' Past endorsements: The AFR has endorsed a Coalition government in every election since 1990. News Corp Australia The Australian (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'We owe our allegiance to no party but rather to what is in the national interest. The choice facing the nation – one of great consequence – must be made against the backdrop of a dispiriting campaign characterised by short-term thinking and a paucity of vision from both sides. But in the key areas of defence, energy and the economy, the Coalition provides the best option for managing the demands of challenging and uncertain times.' Past endorsements: The Australian has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. 'When we look to the future, The Herald Sun maintains that Labor hasn't delivered anywhere near enough to deserve another term of government. Loading We believe that the Coalition has a better plan to supercharge productivity and get the economy thriving again, with the right mix for energy, to lower costs and take all Australians forward.' Past endorsements: The Herald Sun has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. The Daily Telegraph (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'A poor campaign by the Coalition should not obscure the risk of continued Labor mismanagement. Penny Wong's high-handed dismissal of Australian voters is a reminder of how Labor sees its role – as straighteners of our national will rather than enablers. Certainly, a vote for the Coalition would be made in hope for a better performance. A vote for Labor, however, would guarantee more of the same. The miserable economy-belting, morale-sapping same.' Past endorsements: The Daily Telegraph has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. Loading The Courier-Mail (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government, with emphasis against the Greens 'The most vital thing in tomorrow's election is that Australia does not end up with a parliament being held to ransom by the Greens. 'Running a less trouble-plagued campaign than your opponent is not exactly a ringing endorsement that demands another three years as the leader of our nation. Instead, that honour should be hard-won through genuine vision and leadership. Mr Dutton has shown this in the position he took on the Voice, and in relation to the risk he has taken in promoting a nuclear energy vision.' Past endorsements: The Courier Mail has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. The Advertiser (News Corp): A majority for either major party 'Peter Dutton would be stronger on national security [...] Our energy security would be safer in his hands. But if you want to win an election, you have to be able to win a campaign – and Dutton failed on that score. Should Labor win tomorrow, their campaign of lies will haunt them. Should Dutton win, he will have to outperform his campaign. However, for the good of the country, one of them must win majority government lest our futures be in the hands of the mad Greens, self-serving teals or the independent rabble.' Loading Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (Morrison), and 2022 (Morrison). The Hobart Mercury (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'Labor has had three years to provide greater economic stability for struggling families. The Mercury believes the Coalition is better equipped to provide that economic light at the end of the tunnel.' Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (No endorsement), and 2022 (No endorsement) Other media The Guardian: An Albanese-led minority Labor government 'It is not 'hate' but an assessment of the facts that informs Guardian Australia's view that Mr Dutton does not appear ready to lead and the Coalition has not demonstrated the policy coherence necessary for effective government. Progressive Australians are left with strategic choices. If they think the country is best served continuing along the path of gradual change they should vote Labor. If they want to vote strategically, understanding the risk of not knowing the ultimate makeup of the parliament, they may choose the Greens, teals or other alternative candidates in the hope of electing a minority Labor government with a progressive crossbench pushing it to move faster.' Past endorsements: 2010 (N/A), 2013 (Rudd), 2016 (No endorsement), 2019 (Shorten/Greens), and 2022 (Albanese). The Canberra Times (Australian Community Media): An Albanese-led Labor government 'Against the backdrop of a chaotic United States, a previously unpopular, uninspiring and timid Albanese government has been made to look responsible and safe, and the opposition to look reckless and even threatening. Like in Canada earlier this week, a safe set of hands looks a far better electoral choice than a grasping one.' Loading Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (No endorsement), and 2022 (Albanese) The West Australian (Seven West Media): The West is yet to publish its election editorial. Past endorsements: 2010 (Abbott), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (Morrison), and 2022 (Morrison) The rest: The Nightly, Seven West Media's digital newspaper, said Albanese should be punished, backing the Coalition, while Sky News Australia 's Sharri Markson said Peter Dutton would be the 'fresh start' Australia needs.
The Age
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Who's backing who? Every newspaper's pick for prime minister
The Age (Nine): An Albanese-led Labor government 'The Albanese government has had only three years in government. Despite its failures and missed opportunities it has not been so terrible that it deserves to be the first government thrown out after one term in almost 100 years. In his profile of Australia's 31st prime minister, Chip Le Grand described Albanese as staid and predictable. The same could be said of Albanese 's government. Perhaps at this point in time, and given the choices at the nation's disposal, that is the best option available to the country.' Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Rudd), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (Shorten), and 2022 (Albanese). The Australian Financial Review (Nine): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'It's a campaign where Albanese, the architect of the defeated Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum, could not find time to visit a remote Indigenous community, and Dutton, who wants to spend billions nationalising Australia's energy system, refused to stop by a single site where he plans to build a nuclear reactor. So with a difficult choice to be made and the prospect of Labor falling under the influence of Green recklessness in the event of a hung parliament, a Dutton government that has offered up slightly more in the way of budget responsibility might be our least worst bet, as unconvincing as he has been.' Past endorsements: The AFR has endorsed a Coalition government in every election since 1990. News Corp Australia The Australian (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'We owe our allegiance to no party but rather to what is in the national interest. The choice facing the nation – one of great consequence – must be made against the backdrop of a dispiriting campaign characterised by short-term thinking and a paucity of vision from both sides. But in the key areas of defence, energy and the economy, the Coalition provides the best option for managing the demands of challenging and uncertain times.' Past endorsements: The Australian has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. 'When we look to the future, The Herald Sun maintains that Labor hasn't delivered anywhere near enough to deserve another term of government. Loading We believe that the Coalition has a better plan to supercharge productivity and get the economy thriving again, with the right mix for energy, to lower costs and take all Australians forward.' Past endorsements: The Herald Sun has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. The Daily Telegraph (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'A poor campaign by the Coalition should not obscure the risk of continued Labor mismanagement. Penny Wong's high-handed dismissal of Australian voters is a reminder of how Labor sees its role – as straighteners of our national will rather than enablers. Certainly, a vote for the Coalition would be made in hope for a better performance. A vote for Labor, however, would guarantee more of the same. The miserable economy-belting, morale-sapping same.' Past endorsements: The Daily Telegraph has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. Loading The Courier-Mail (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government, with emphasis against the Greens 'The most vital thing in tomorrow's election is that Australia does not end up with a parliament being held to ransom by the Greens. 'Running a less trouble-plagued campaign than your opponent is not exactly a ringing endorsement that demands another three years as the leader of our nation. Instead, that honour should be hard-won through genuine vision and leadership. Mr Dutton has shown this in the position he took on the Voice, and in relation to the risk he has taken in promoting a nuclear energy vision.' Past endorsements: The Courier Mail has endorsed a Coalition government in each of the past five elections. The Advertiser (News Corp): A majority for either major party 'Peter Dutton would be stronger on national security [...] Our energy security would be sager in his hands. But if you want to win an election, you have to be able to win a campaign – and Dutton failed on that score. Should Labor win tomorrow, their campaign of lies will haunt them. Should Dutton win, he will have to outperform his campaign. However, for the good of the country, one of them must win majority government lest our futures be in the hands of the mad Greens, self-serving teals or the independent rabble.' Loading Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (Morrison), and 2022 (Morrison). The Hobart Mercury (News Corp): A Dutton-led Coalition government 'Labor has had three years to provide greater economic stability for struggling families. The Mercury believes the Coalition is better equipped to provide that economic light at the end of the tunnel.' Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (No endorsement), and 2022 (No endorsement) Other media The Guardian: An Albanese-led minority Labor government 'It is not 'hate' but an assessment of the facts that informs Guardian Australia's view that Mr Dutton does not appear ready to lead and the Coalition has not demonstrated the policy coherence necessary for effective government. Progressive Australians are left with strategic choices. If they think the country is best served continuing along the path of gradual change they should vote Labor. If they want to vote strategically, understanding the risk of not knowing the ultimate makeup of the parliament, they may choose the Greens, teals or other alternative candidates in the hope of electing a minority Labor government with a progressive crossbench pushing it to move faster.' Past endorsements: 2010 (N/A), 2013 (Rudd), 2016 (No endorsement), 2019 (Shorten/Greens), and 2022 (Albanese). The Canberra Times (Australian Community Media): An Albanese-led Labor government 'Against the backdrop of a chaotic United States, a previously unpopular, uninspiring and timid Albanese government has been made to look responsible and safe, and the opposition to look reckless and even threatening. Like in Canada earlier this week, a safe set of hands looks a far better electoral choice than a grasping one.' Loading Past endorsements: 2010 (Gillard), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (No endorsement), and 2022 (Albanese) The West Australian (Seven West Media): The West is yet to publish its election editorial. Past endorsements: 2010 (Abbott), 2013 (Abbott), 2016 (Turnbull), 2019 (Morrison), and 2022 (Morrison) The rest: The Nightly, Seven West Media's digital newspaper, said Albanese should be punished, backing the Coalition, while Sky News Australia 's Sharri Markson said Peter Dutton would be the 'fresh start' Australia needs.
Sky News AU
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Voters in seat of Griffith ‘fear' a Dutton government
Labor Candidate for Griffith Renee Coffey claims voters in her electorate 'fear' a Dutton-led government. 'There is a level of disappointment across the electorate,' Ms Coffey told Sky News Australia. 'There's a lot of fear within Griffith … about a Dutton-led government and what that would mean for the country'. 'I think people know that Labor is absolutely committed to housing and to addressing the housing shortage by increasing supply.'
