Pauline Hanson Backs Nuclear Plants on Australia's East Coast 2026

Pauline Hanson has called for nuclear reactors to be built on Australia's east coast, intensifying the political war of words with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over energy policy. The One Nation leader's proposal, which goes beyond her party's published plan, adds a new dimension to the nation's nuclear debate as the 2025 election approaches.

Pauline Hanson's Nuclear Energy Pitch

Campaigning in Victoria ahead of the November state election, Hanson advocated for the construction of two nuclear reactors on Australia's east coast. This extends beyond One Nation's official policy, which allocates $6.8 billion for a single reactor at a community-supported site.

Hanson also urged taxpayer funding to keep the coal-fired Loy Yang power station near Traralgon operational, arguing for a "diversity" of power supply. "The reactors need to happen," she said. "But we need that diversity of power. Keep your coal-fired power stations going."

Distancing from Dutton's Failed Plan

Hanson was quick to differentiate her proposal from Peter Dutton's unsuccessful push to build seven taxpayer-funded nuclear plants during the last election campaign. That Coalition policy, which included two small modular reactors, failed to resonate with voters.

One Nation's policy emphasizes that nuclear energy would support industry, relieve pressure on aging infrastructure, and create high-skill jobs. The $6.8 billion price tag is based on projected costs for two reactors in South Korea.

Labor's Opposition and Political Fallout

Labor has consistently opposed nuclear power, with Albanese calling it "too expensive and too slow" compared to renewables. The prime minister has used the nuclear debate to frame the election as a choice between "renewables or reactors," a message that resonated in the last campaign.

The clash highlights the deepening divide in Australian energy politics, with the Coalition and One Nation pushing nuclear while Labor champions solar, wind, and battery storage.

Comparison of Nuclear Proposals

Key Takeaways from Hanson's Nuclear Stance

• Hanson calls for two nuclear reactors on the east coast, exceeding One Nation's official one-plant policy.
• She proposes keeping coal-fired stations like Loy Yang running with taxpayer support.
• Her plan distances itself from Dutton's failed seven-plant proposal.
• Labor's opposition sets up a major energy policy clash ahead of the election.

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