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Posted: 2024-06-18 08:08:48

A snap meeting of Liberal and Nationals members will be held on Wednesday morning, as the federal opposition tries to sort out its nuclear power policy.

Coalition members were alerted to the meeting on Tuesday night, but several Liberal and Nationals MPs told the ABC no agenda or topics were provided by party whips.

Shadow cabinet was meeting at the same time, just before presenting plans to the Coalition's backbench industry, energy and resources committee ahead of the Wednesday partyroom discussion.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has been under significant pressure to outline his plans for nuclear power — particularly where a future Coalition government would be prepared to build nuclear reactors across the country.

A close up shot of Peter Dutton in glasses.

Coalition backbenchers have been called into a snap meeting, sparking speculation a nuclear policy announcement could be made soon. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)

On Tuesday, Mr Dutton was asked when he would release a detailed plan.

"We'll let you know as soon as we make that announcement," he told reporters on the New South Wales south coast.

The Coalition has flagged putting nuclear reactors on the same sites as ageing and retired coal fired power plants, building around six or seven across the country.

"Our argument is that because you've got the poles and wires already plugged into the existing coal fired power stations, why make that redundant?," Mr Dutton said.

A long exposure shows a nuclear plant illuminated at night, with a white cloud of steam emerging from the top of two reactors.
Energy executives said they do not consider nuclear power generation a commercially viable option for Australia.(UnsplashNicolas HIPPERT/CC licence)

"Why not use that asset, that brownfield site for the latest technology, and generate energy there that can keep the lights on 24/7, that can bring energy prices down, bring your electricity prices down and it's greener because it's zero emissions technology."

On Tuesday, Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the Coalition would make their plans clear.

"We'll be up-front about the costs, about how it's paid for, about the locations — everything," he told Sky News.

"We're not going to hide anything — what you see is what you get out of Peter Dutton and I. 

"We're going to be up-front and honest with the Australian people, look them in the eye and say this is what strong leadership looks like."

Mr Dutton's office was approached for comment.

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