This week saw a rather surprising bid by SA Senator Day (Family First) to repeal the irrelevant and irrational ARPANS Section 10 which forbids the mere consideration of nuclear power plants, fuel manufacturing, and so on – industries which are operated safely in dozens of countries and employ hundreds of thousands of skilled workers.
For those who are interested, the Hansard record is here. One curious claim that was advanced was that the amendment “would fundamentally change energy policy” – as if nuclear plants would consequently spring up at the stroke of a pen? Well, since we need around fifteen of them to get halfway towards total electricity sector decarbonisation, as long as they’re modern, safely operated and properly regulated, what of it?
Unsurprisingly, those stridently opposed relied heavily on the latest offering from the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (which is, more or less, to the actual nuclear industry as the Australian Vaccination Network’s Living Wisdom is to the science of immunology).
The major parties also refused to pass the amendment. With the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission not concluding till next year, I expect this is small comfort for the Greens.
Personally, I was far more interested to read this perspective from the Member for Grey (SA’s largest rural seat) regarding his visit to Germany.
The Actinide Age 
Sen. Day’s timing may not have been ideal then again he has broken the silence of the gormless majority. We have the left side of politics intoxicated with the forthcoming renewables nirvana while the conservatives are apologists for coal. Full marks to Day and Ramsey for giving a different viewpoint.
I suspect opponents are plotting an all-guns-blazing FUD campaign to greet the Royal Commission report next year. This could be in the back of the federal government’s mind with the third party appeals legislation.
Yes. On the other hand, what they don’t have is any relevant reason to maintain the prohibition. It’s continuance now is no more than a matter of timing.
Fascinating to read the words of a politician who seems to have a good in-depth understanding of electricity generation. I wonder how many other politicians have Ramsey’s understanding?