Australians support lifting nuclear ban

The poll of 1500 Australians by JWS Research was conducted in early- to mid-October. It found 39% of those polled to be supportive of the use of nuclear power in Australia, with a similar level of support - four out of ten of those polled - supporting lifting the ban. Opposition to both the use of nuclear power and the lifting of the ban was about 33%, while 29% were either neutral or unsure on the use of nuclear power, and 26% were neutral or unsure on lifting the ban.

The use of nuclear energy is currently banned under federal law in Australia. Over half those surveyed - 54% - were unaware of this.

"This shows Australians need to know more about nuclear energy and how it would help reduce power bills and Australia's emissions," MCA CEO Tania Constable said.

The MCA has in recent years extensively advocated for the use of "safe, reliable, zero-emissions nuclear power" to support a "mature and informed discussion," Constable said. As part of these efforts, the organisation in October produced a two-part publication on untapped potential and the case for nuclear energy.

"Climate change is real and as global energy demand increases, so does the need to diversify our power supplies and reduce emissions through technology," she said. "Nuclear energy is safe, reliable and affordable. It provides around 10% of the world’s electricity with zero emissions. The power provided by nuclear energy is low cost and can meet the needs of industrial and household consumers 24/7. Yet Australia, with the world’s largest deposits of uranium, continues to prohibit the use of nuclear power. Any government serious about addressing climate change must consider nuclear in its energy mix."