July 2
If you’re reading this sentence, the chances are you will benefit from nuclear medicine at some point in your life.
In fact, so crucial is nuclear medicine to diagnosing and treating common forms of cancer, statistics show that most Australians will benefit from it not once, but twice, over the course of a lifetime.
These are just some of the important facts about nuclear in Australia that Labor doesn’t want you to know.
But, why not? After all, it’s a national success story.
And it’s a far more interesting and inspiring story than the irrational fear Labor is spreading about nuclear energy.
The truth is that Australia already has a highly successful, internationally recognised nuclear energy industry, led by the Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation.
The Open-pool Australian lightwater reactor that ANSTO manages is one of the world’s most advanced.
And no, it isn’t located in the middle of the desert, or some far-flung, uninhabited island.
It’s based in Lucas Heights — a suburb in south western Sydney, less than 50km from Bondi.
Have we seen Labor MPs urging the one million people who live in this area of Sydney not to drink the water, or swim in the bays and oceans?
I don’t think so.
But back to the work the OPAL reactor does, because it’s the real story, and it’s a national shame Labor refuses to champion it.
In Senate estimates earlier this month, ANSTO’s chief executive told me that more than 12,000 doses of nuclear medicine were distributed to more than 250 clinics across the country every week by their organisation.
These doses are critical in diagnosing various forms of cancer, and, in some cases, treating it.
Is Labor suggesting that the thousands of people who receive nuclear imaging every year risk growing a third eye? Give me a break.
On the other hand, if Anthony Albanese insists it’s so dangerous, why not ban this treatment?
Labor’s nuclear hypocrisy doesn’t end there.
While Anthony Albanese has been claiming nuclear is dangerous, unreliable and unaffordable, one of his own Government departments was signing international agreements advancing nuclear technology in Australia and overseas.
In May, ANTSO signed a memorandum of understanding with the US National Nuclear Security Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s conference in Vienna, with both organisations promising to increase cooperation on nuclear technology and capabilities.
As proof of their commitment to nuclear energy, ANTSO will soon make preparations for a new national radioactive waste management facility — a facility that may mirror businesses already operating in our own State of WA.
Earlier this month, a number of Coalition colleagues and I visited Tellus Holdings Sandy Ridge radioactive waste facility in Coolgardie, which for a number of years has been safely handling, storing and disposing of the radioactive waste.
It was a powerful reminder that preparations for Australia’s nuclear future are already well advanced.
Anthony Albanese and Labor also like to claim that Australia doesn’t have the skills to develop a nuclear industry, which I think is punching down on the ability of Australia’s workforce.
But how does he think businesses like Tellus Holdings, government organisations like ANTSO, or facilities like the OPAL reactor, are run, if not for a highly skilled workforce in nuclear safety, nuclear engineers, reactor operators, and maintenance teams?
Labor’s arguments simply don’t stand up to scrutiny.
If you need any more evidence, take a look at Labor’s own international colleagues.
US Democrat John Kerry, who was secretary of state under Barack Obama, is an enthusiastic supporter of nuclear energy.
“Facts and evidence tell us that you can’t get to net zero in 2050 without some nuclear,” he told the COP28 Conference in December.
At the same conference, 22 countries promised to triple their nuclear capability by 2050, including Canada, the UK and France.
The Brits, too, are racing towards nuclear energy.
Take this statement, from British Labour’s current election manifesto: “Small Modular (nuclear) Reactors will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs.”
John Kerry is right — the facts speak for themselves.
And the fact is Anthony Albanese is hopelessly out of step on nuclear energy, which is why he’s started swinging wildly.
It’s also a fact that insecurity breeds anger.
Labor, on the energy front, has lots to be insecure about.
Two years into their first term, the billions of dollars Labor is spending on wind and solar farms, not to mention the thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines, has had a purely negative effect on the Australian economy and energy market.
Energy bills have increased, Government spending on renewable projects has fuelled inflation, and a glut has been created in Australia’s construction workforce, pushing prices up for everyone trying to build a home.
After all that, Australia remains as dependent on gas and coal as it has ever been, for the simple reason that no matter who the Government is, they can’t control the weather.
Real leadership means telling the truth, and admitting when you’re wrong.
Australians deserve better than what they’re getting from Labor on this critical debate.