2023-03-28
The Greens have slammed a push by three Queensland LNP MPs to establish a nuclear submarine base in the Port of Gladstone in Central Queensland.
The call, from Senator Matt Canavan, Member for Flynn Colin Boyce and Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, comes after the Albanese Government committed Australia to an absurd $368 billion to buy and build a dozen nuclear subs, making us less safe and robbing billions of dollars from schools and hospitals.
Comments attributable to Australian Greens spokesperson on Industry, Transition and Regional Development, Gladstone-based Senator Penny Allman-Payne:
“In government, the Coalition gutted our industry and manufacturing base and spent 10 years stymying the energy transition, destroying thousands of real and potential jobs and abandoning regional centres.
“So now that they’re in opposition, what do they offer for the people of Gladstone instead? Theoretical nuclear submarines! It’s utter madness.
“If you ever needed a clear-cut example of just how out-of-touch Australian conservatives are it’s the LNP peddling a radioactive fantasy while talking down the very real opportunities presented by the renewable energy transition.
“We shouldn’t be turning war into an industry, whether it’s in the shipyards of South Australia or at the Port of Gladstone.
“This would paint a huge target on Gladstone’s back, and should be rejected by everyone who hopes for a safe and secure future for our region.”