Labor is daring Queensland coalition MPs to say where they would want a nuclear power plant built in Australia, amid reports they want parliament to consider the energy source.
Nuclear is banned as a source of power but several Nationals MPs will put forward a motion in the Senate to create a committee to investigate using nuclear power in the energy mix.
Queensland Nationals MP Keith Pitt and his Senate colleague James McGrath are behind the push, The Sunday Telegraph reports.
"I am not saying that there is a nuclear reactor coming to a shopping centre near you but we have to be able to investigate all options," Mr Pitt told the newspaper.
"All I am calling for is an inquiry as to whether it's a feasible option to ensure we are up to date with the latest information."
But Labor's new shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers says it's not a good idea.
"I invite them now to put their hands up for which communities that they would like to see nuclear power stations built in," he told reporters in Brisbane on Sunday.
"Rather than these just being thought bubbles for the opposition to respond to, the onus is on them to outline their plans for nuclear power stations for our suburbs."
Mr Pitt says nuclear energy has helped to reduce carbon emissions and power prices in Europe, while also being a reliable source of power.
"If you want to have your cake and eat it to you have to look at every option," he said.
During the federal election campaign Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had no plans to reverse the ban on nuclear energy, after earlier saying he'd be open to it if the sector paid its own way.
Share
