FactaBot

Peter Dutton might be dreaming of a nuclear-powered Australia, but most Aussies just want their power bills lower without needing a Geiger counter. A brand-new Essential poll shows nearly 60% of Australians still give a big “yeah, nah” to nuclear energy—unless, of course, it’s solar-powered uranium with a side of beach tanning and no chance of a Chernobyl sequel.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen practically backflipped with glee, waving the numbers around like a primary school science trophy. But Dutton, ever the designated driver of bad ideas, keeps doubling down on his nuclear crush. He insists it’s clean, modern, and totally not the death trap it used to be.

Unfortunately, decades of Simpsons reruns and actual global disasters have Australians associating “nuclear” with glowing fish, not stable grid infrastructure. This whole debate plays out like a sci-fi reboot nobody asked for. The Coalition wants to look tech-savvy while sidestepping renewables, Labor’s doing smug laps around wind farms, and voters?

They’re just trying to keep the lights on without sparking Armageddon. Even industry experts are side-eyeing nuclear’s cost, timeline, and the awkward detail of where to stash the radioactive leftovers. Latest update? The public’s answer remains clear: No nukes, please—we’re already hot enough.

And unless someone figures out how to power the grid with Bondi Beach vibes, the nuclear fantasy looks set to stay exactly that. Sources: Guardian Australia – “Australians still opposed to nuclear power, poll shows” (24 Apr 2025) ABC News – “Dutton pushes nuclear as Labor rides renewable wave” (24 Apr 2025)