Rudd says no to nuclear power despite increased support
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CANBERRA, Oct 13 AAP
October 13 2009, 10:09AM
One in two Australians may want the Rudd government to consider nuclear power as an energy source but the man who has the biggest say on the issue insists that's not going to happen.
Kevin Rudd says Labor remains opposed to nuclear reactors being built in Australia.
"We do not support nuclear power plants in Australia," Mr Rudd told ABC Radio from Hobart.
"We believe (that) whereas some countries around the world have no alternative but to use nuclear power, that is not the case in Australia."
A Nielsen poll published in Fairfax newspapers on Tuesday shows 49 per cent of Australians believe nuclear power should be considered for the nation's future energy needs. Some 43 per cent are completely opposed.
In 2002, only 38 per cent favoured nuclear power while 51 per cent opposed the idea.
Mr Rudd called on the opposition to make its position on nuclear power clear.
"In the past they've left open the possibility of nuclear power plants around Australia," he said.
Coalition voters are more positive about nuclear power, with 59 per cent in favour compared with just 46 per cent of Labor voters.
Labor remained focused on clean coal and renewable energy options, including large-scale solar projects, the prime minister said.
