Nationals Plan Nuclear Power Inclusion Ahead Australia Election

The Nationals in Australia have committed to including nuclear power in the country's energy mix and plan to campaign on this policy in the next election, following a recent split within the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud emphasized a 'technology-agnostic' energy approach, expressing concerns about the environmental and food security impacts of extensive renewable infrastructure such as transmission lines, solar farms, and wind turbines in regional areas. Alongside nuclear energy, the party is advocating for a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund to improve childcare accessibility, retain medical professionals in rural areas, and support local governments. Littleproud also highlighted the importance of regional Australia, which generates $350 billion in exports, and called for a universal service obligation to maintain mobile phone towers in rural regions, criticizing telecommunications companies for neglecting these areas. The Nationals’ stance on these key policies contributed to a temporary split from the Liberals, with Littleproud stating the division was without malice and aimed at establishing a foundation for a future coalition. The party's policy platform also includes measures to regulate supermarket monopolies and enhance regional connectivity.