Australia Declines AUKUS Nuclear Pact Amid Costs

Australia's federal government has decided not to join a US-UK pact aimed at advancing civilian nuclear energy development, citing the country's lack of plans for domestic nuclear integration. Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized that nuclear energy would lead to the highest electricity costs globally and that the agreement is irrelevant given Australia has no existing civil nuclear industry. This decision is politically charged, with the Labor party, led by Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, opposing nuclear energy due to concerns it would prolong reliance on coal emissions. The UK government initially included Australia in their announcement but later clarified that the inclusion was a mistake. Instead, Australia will remain an observer in international nuclear research forums while pursuing a new climate and energy partnership with the UK focused on renewable technologies. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperative climate efforts and support clean energy markets between the two nations.