Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Just as we listen to the experts when it comes to climate science, we also listen to the experts on the energy system, and the experts—for example, those at the Smart Energy Council—say that the coalition's nuclear plan could cost around $600 billion. Now, the shadow Treasurer, of course, would need to deal with this. Mr Taylor knew that nuclear wasn't viable when he was a minister in the last government, and he certainly did nothing about this issue as minister. Here is what he said about nuclear in May:

Well, at the end of the day, all generators, if they're going to be successful in delivering affordable, reliable energy and bring down emissions, have got to deliver a return on capital.

What did the Leader of the Opposition actually announce? It was not that. It was not letting the market decide. It was not even underwriting anything. It was state-owned nuclear plants, paid for by the taxpayer, delivering the most expensive form of energy that there is. Poor Mr Taylor! He doesn't have a lot of luck in shadow cabinet, does he?