As early voting opens in the federal election, leading Australian civil society groups have released a joint statement calling for an end to any plans for domestic nuclear power.
The call sees major trade union, faith, environment, First Nation and public health bodies unite in support of the clean energy transition and opposition to the nuclear industry playing a spoiling role in this transition.
The statement is supported by a diverse range of groups including the ACTU, Electrical Trades Union, Greenpeace, Uniting Church, Solar Citizens, Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, Doctors for the Environment, Friends of the Earth and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The statement says:
Nuclear power is too slow, costly and inflexible to play any meaningful role in decarbonisation efforts. Nuclear also brings unique risks and long-lived wastes.
Given the environmental, economic and human urgency of addressing climate change and advancing the energy transition we must not allow nuclear promotion to cause any further complication or delay.
Nuclear costs. In all ways, and always. Australia cannot afford this delay.
As well as the start of pre-polling, 22 April is also Earth Day. The 2025 theme of this long-standing global day of action is Our Power, Our Planet and includes an international call for the promotion of renewable energy sources with a view to tripling clean electricity production around the world.
"This statement unites diverse organisations representing millions of Australians in a common and clear call against nuclear power," Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear analyst Dave Sweeney.
"Our energy future is renewable, not radioactive.
"Nuclear is one of the major policy differences in this election and our organisations will be working to highlight the costs, risks and unsuitability of this costly and risky energy option."
Dr Jim Green, nuclear campaigner with Friends of the Earth Australia said:
"From Perth to Penrith, from Darwin to Devonport, Australians are cautious and concerned about nuclear power - and this election we are urging them to say no.
"Our country is blessed with renewable energy options which are demonstrably cheaper, safer, faster and are already powering around 45% of our homes and workplaces.
"As the coal era ends we don't have time to waste and we don't want radioactive waste."
Civil society nuclear statement
