This study seeks to understand the development of Australian attitudes towards the use of nuclear energy for the large-scale generation of electricity. The topic has become more relevant as Australians are now well aware of the risks attributed to a continued dependence on fossil fuels for the nation’s energy demands. Recently there has been a growth in public investment in the new technologies associated with low-emission generation and in developing public education strategies for more efficient use of existing energy supplies. An investment in new technologies means that public acceptance of such technologies will be at the forefront of their development and long-term utilisation.
In the past five years, Australia has experienced both the highs and the lows associated with being a global energy resource provider. One of its energy resources that Australia sells to the world is uranium. This study has confirmed that the mining and supply of uranium sets the context within which any discussion about Australia’s future energy demands is framed, and within which attitudes to a possible future nuclear power program in this country developed, formed and retained.
The study details how uranium mining and any future use of nuclear power in Australia are inextricably linked – historically, politically and culturally – and how such a link is supported and maintained by media commentary. Australia is a nation that produces uranium but does not use nuclear power and in that respect it is unusual in the context of the developed world. As a result, Australian attitudes to any future that could include nuclear energy continue to be influenced by the current utilisation of our uranium resources by other nations and by the perceived risks associated with such use, at home and overseas.
Professor Terry Flew
FAHA
Dr Ann Moyal
FAHA
Emeritus Professor Roy MacLeod
FAHA FASSA
Emeritus Professor Max Coltheart
FASSA FAA
Dr John Zillman
FAA FTSE
This project was funded by the Australian Research Council.
The project was managed on behalf of the National Academies Forum by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), with Dr Vaughan Beck, ATSE Executive Director – Technical, as Project Manager. ATSE, on behalf of the National Academies Forum, engaged Professor Daniela Stehlik, from Curtin University of Technology, Perth, as the Project Director.
The National Academies Forum takes this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the study as participants in interviews, as respondents to the e-survey and as contributors of articles, comments and advice to the project team.
The production of this publication was overseen by Mr Bill Mackey, ATSE Executive Director – Communication.
The National Academies Forum gratefully acknowledges the funding provided by the Australian Research Council (ARC) under the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects program to support the conduct of this project.
