Pat Conroy (Shortland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Industry) Share this | Hansard source

Nuclear power—that's what the member for Fairfax has in mind. That's what the member for New England is evangelical about. There are only a couple of problems with it. Firstly, it will triple the cost of power in this country, at least. Secondly, I'm yet to find a community that wants to house a nuclear power station. I've got two people opposite me who represent regions close to mine. Here's my question to the member for Page.

He's got plenty of water sources in his electorate. You need plenty of water for a nuclear power station. Does the member for Page want a nuclear power station on the North Coast? Does the member for New England want a nuclear power station in Tamworth?

He said he's happy to have one. Let the record show that the member for New England is happy to have a nuclear power station in Tamworth, or Armidale, or both, perhaps. This is the quality of debate we have from those opposite: smears, lies and policies that will put up power prices and endanger communities. That is what we're facing. Instead, we will have responsible government acting in the national interest. (Time expired)

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