Ad campaign opposes nuclear power plants in Australia

A group of Liberal supporters has started an advertising campaign against Peter Dutton’s plan to build nuclear power plants. They call themselves Liberals Against Nuclear and believe the proposal goes against core Liberal values. The group argues that this policy would lead to increased government red tape, high risks for taxpayers, and significant debt. Dutton's plan includes building nuclear reactors at seven sites in Australia, mostly after 2040. In the meantime, the Coalition wants to slow down the transition to renewable energy and extend the life of aging coal-fired plants while relying more on gas. Andrew Gregson, a spokesperson for the group, worries that this approach is pushing moderate voters toward independent candidates, which could hurt the Coalition’s chances in upcoming elections. The advertising campaign will feature television, digital, and billboard ads claiming that many Liberals oppose nuclear energy. One ad highlights comments from Nationals senator Matt Canavan, stating that nuclear energy isn't the cheapest option. The ads call on Dutton to reconsider his nuclear plan. Polling shows that only 35% of Australians support nuclear energy. The support drops significantly when voters learn more about the proposed plans. The group claims that Dutton's policy could increase the national debt and create safety risks. Gregson believes that dropping the nuclear proposal would lead to only minor negative publicity for the Coalition and could improve their election prospects. Dutton has defended his plan, stating it aims to stabilize electricity costs and supply. However, a government agency has warned that the policy could lead to higher emissions and make it harder for Australia to meet its climate goals. Experts suggest that Dutton’s approach might result in higher electricity bills and a less reliable energy system due to dependence on older coal power plants.