Josh Burns (Macnamara, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

BURNS () (): It's been over 60 days since the Leader of the Opposition made his big announcement with little detail. He, of course, made his announcement about nuclear reactors in this country. There is a big question that the Leader of the Opposition hasn't yet answered, and that is how much these nuclear reactors would cost. I thought, 'Don't take the Labor Party's word for it; let's go through what some other commentators have said about what nuclear energy might cost.' And this person said, 'It is enormously expensive—a very, very big cost.' Who was that? That was former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull! I know that Malcolm is not in the inner sanctum anymore with those guys. So, I thought, 'Let's go inside the tent; let's bring it in closer.' Someone else said:

I have one very, very simple goal, which is, to get prices down in the short to medium term. … Nuclear's not going to help me in that process.

Who could that be? That was the shadow Treasurer in 2018! Those were his words, not mine. I know there is a bit of mistrust between the Liberals and the Nationals. I know that the Liberals and Nationals don't always get along, so I thought, 'Let's dig a bit deeper and let's find another quote.' This learned person said this, 'Nuclear is ruled out by reason of cost.' Who would say that? The member for New England! In 2017, that's what he said. Don't take my word for it. It's too expensive. Just ask those opposite.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.