Could Australia go nuclear?

The Albanese Government’s latest effort to meet its climate targets is focused on the vehicle industry. It wants to bring Australia into line with the rest of the developed world – with a new emissions standard. Under the plan – car makers would have to sell more electric and low emissions vehicles from next year. If they’re only selling gas guzzlers – they would have to pay a price. Consultations closed on Monday night – and unsurprisingly the industry is split between those who sell diesel utes – and those who sell electric cars. The Coalition is opposing the whole thing. But this could be a mere skirmish in the bigger debate that’s coming. Peter Dutton has confirmed he’ll soon announce a policy to roll-out large-scale nuclear plants on the sites of old coal generators. The cost is unknown – and the government says it’s an idea from fantasy land.

David Speers interviews Energy & Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen about the government’s view on the nuclear debate and industry feedback to the emission standards. Anna Henderson, Jennifer Hewett, and Peter Hartcher are on the couch to discuss the government’s new superannuation paid parental leave scheme, the Greens’ ambitious new housing policy, the ASEAN summit and more.