Nuclear power will be the hot topic next month when two Senators for Western Australia – Mathias Cormann from the Liberal Party and Scott Ludlam from the Australian Greens – lead a public debate at Perth Town Hall.

WHEN:           From 6pm, Thursday 3 December 2009.
WHERE:        Perth Town Hall, corner of Hay and Barrack streets, Perth.

Three speakers on either team, including Senator Cormann, Dr Ian Duncan and Professor Manfred Lenzen on the pro-nuclear side and Senator Ludlam, Dr Irene Kirczenow and Mr Dave Sweeney on the anti-nuclear side, will be moderated by the ABC’s Chief Political Reporter Peter Kennedy.

“The phrase ‘let’s at least have the debate about nuclear power’ must be one of the most over-used in politics,” Senator Ludlam said.
“We've actually had the debate over and over again and the ‘no’ case has strengthened over time.

“However, I welcome the opportunity to present new information which will give pro-nuclear advocates something serious to think about.”

Senator Cormann said that Australia was one of only very few OECD countries not yet embracing nuclear power.

“If we are serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring our energy security into the future, then we have to consider adding nuclear to our energy mix.

“Of course, we should pursue the full potential of renewables, and of course we should explore clean coal. But we can’t put all our energy eggs into those two baskets,” he said.

"Nuclear is a proven, reliable and secure low carbon technology. Of course we should consider it for Australia,” Senator Cormann said.

For more information or media inquiries, please call:
Eloise Dortch (Sen. Ludlam) on 0415 507 763;  OR  Slade Brockman (Sen. Cormann) on 0427 261 980.