The Victorian opposition leader has clarified his stance on the federal Coalition’s proposal to build nuclear reactors in the state, making it clear that his focus is on gas and distancing his party from the controversial campaign. In his first interview since becoming the state Liberal leader, Brad Battin said, “Our focus is gas, let the feds get on with what they’ve got to get on with,” eschewing any support for the nuclear initiative. Despite acknowledging a conversation with Peter Dutton about the language he would use regarding the policy, Battin maintains that the issue barely figures in his campaign, with no discussions with the federal Coalition about the proposal’s two-and-a-half-year consultation process. The stance marks a shift for Battin, previously open to an “adult conversation” about the policy but now clearly distancing his state party from the federal Liberal leader’s centerpiece energy policy. He also remains non-committal on whether he would support the repeal of Victoria’s Nuclear Activities (Prohibitions) Act of 1983, stating he will reveal his position on May 4, after the election. Battin argues that Victoria should prioritize expanding onshore gas exploration instead, reflecting a markedly different stance from that of the federal Coalition, which views nuclear energy as crucial for reducing the nation’s reliance on renewable energy sources.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/15/victorian-liberal-leader-brad-battin-distances-state-party-from-peter-dutton-nuclear-proposal