Queensland Leader Remains Uninterested in Nuclear Option

Queensland Premier-elect David Crisafulli has reiterated his stance on federal Liberal Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy proposal
“It was ‘no’ before the election, and it’s ‘no’ after. I think that’s what people want to see from me,” Crisafulli told ABC Radio National on Oct. 28.
He emphasised his commitment to a respectful yet assertive relationship with Canberra, regardless of who holds power.
“I will do that whether Mr. Albanese or Mr. Dutton is there.” Crisafulli said, who also thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a 20-minute congratulatory phone call and clarified his long-standing friendship with Dutton.
“We’ve been friends for a long time. Friends can have differences of opinion,” he said.
After Crisafulli’s victory, Dutton congratulated him on social media, writing, “Queenslanders wanted change, and they’ve voted for it … I wish David and his new LNP government all the best on delivering a fresh start for Queenslanders.”
Dutton had pledged to establish seven nuclear plants across Australia if the Coalition wins the federal election, asserting that Commonwealth laws could override state opposition.
“In the end, we want the same outcome—cheaper electricity for struggling families,” Dutton said.
Amid speculation of a policy rift, Crisafulli reiterated his position.
“You know my position … it doesn’t mean we agree on everything. He supports the Broncos; I support the Cowboys—that’s how any relationship works,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labor’s federal Minister for Employment Murray Watt voiced concerns on social media about Dutton’s “vague plans” on nuclear power, urging clarity on costs and the potential impact on Medicare and other essential services.
Yet their seats of Maiwar and South Brisbane hang on tenterhooks with postal votes to be tallied.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior Labor ministers criticised the party, saying Queenslanders were opposed to the party’s perceived obstruction to the government’s Help to Buy, and Build to Rent bills.
“People expected them to play a progressive role, not a blocking role,” Albanese said.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek criticised the Greens housing spokesperson for supporting the CFMEU, which is under police investigation over links to criminal gangs.
“People were shocked to see Max Chandler-Mather defending the CFMEU on the back of a truck instead of voting for more affordable housing. They’re holding up housing and environmental reform,” she said.
Queensland Senator Watt commented that voters felt “buyer’s remorse,” saying the party had incited anxiety over Palestine. Watt said there was a chance now for Labor to retake the Brisbane seat of Griffith, and try to win Ryan and Brisbane—previous Liberal Party seats.
Greens MPs have taken public positions supporting violent protests in Melbourne during a defence expo, as well as the pro-Palestine student encampments at Australian universities.
“People need help; there’s a massive cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“Labor focused attention in specific seats instead of addressing the broader crisis.”
He was optimistic the Greens could hold their seats.
“We may end up with the two seats that we went in with. The postal votes are still being counted,” he added.