NSW shadow minister Matt Kean told Q+A his assessment of nuclear energy didn't "meet the threshold" on supply and affordability.The federal opposition is expected to unveil a new energy policy soon putting nuclear on the table.
On the program, he asked: "Is it going to drive down electricity bills? Is it going to ensure the system remains reliable? Is it going to set us up for a more prosperous future?The comments expose a rift in the party on the issue, with federal leader Peter Dutton signalling nuclear will be a central plank in the opposition's energy policy.But multiple state Liberal figures have argued against removing bans on nuclear mining and nuclear enrichment facilities.
Mr Kean, now serving as a shadow minister for health, says federal Liberal policy "is a matter for them", but "I think they need to explain" the viability of nuclear power. On Q+A, Mr Kean joined independent MP Allegra Spender and key crossbench Senator David Pocock in calling for miners to better contribute to the country's wealth.