Anti-nuclear activists have been vocal in their opposition to Peter Dutton during his campaign, with interruptions occurring even on the first full day out on the hustings. However, the Leader of the Opposition appears to be steering clear of discussions related to his proposed nuclear energy policy, opting instead to concentrate on the pressing issues surrounding the cost of living.
Interestingly, as the campaign enters its final days, Dutton has not visited any of the seven proposed sites for his nuclear power plants. This is a notable omission, particularly in light of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent visit to one such location in Collie, Western Australia, which is on the Coalition’s shortlist for a nuclear facility.
During his visit, Albanese capitalised on Dutton’s absence by calling attention to the opposition leader’s reluctance to engage with the nuclear plans. “We have Mr Dutton who refuses to visit this site, but he refuses to visit any of the sites, any of the seven sites. He hasn’t been near any of them… he just won’t come and won’t talk about what his plans actually are,” Albanese stated.
Dutton’s campaign strategy raises questions about the viability of his nuclear energy proposal, especially in a time when public sentiment might be swaying towards renewable energy alternatives. His focus on cost of living concerns may be an attempt to resonate more with voters, but his avoidance of nuclear discussions could ultimately hinder his credibility on the topic as the election approaches.