Tony Abbott backs nuclear talks after senate block Labor's ETS scheme | The Australian

Tony Abbott backs nuclear talks after senate block Labor’s ETS scheme | The Australian

Samantha Maiden, Online political editor – The Australian
December 02, 2009 5:34PM

TONY Abbott has moved to turbo-charge the Coalition’s climate change policy calling for a new debate on nuclear power as the government confirmed today it would reintroduce rejected emissions trading scheme legislation next year…

“How can the Rudd government be fair dinkum about reducing global emissions if it is not prepared to sell uranium to India,” Mr Abbott asked.

“I am not a theological opponent of nuclear power.

“I am quite happy to have the debate about the nuclear option. And I note that there are lots of people in the Labor Party like Martin Ferguson who are on the record as saying that it is something that Australian should consider. I don't think it is anything we should rush into.”

His remarks were backed by his deputy Julie Bishop who said virtually every economy in the G20 had nuclear as a core component of their plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s the fact that Australia has amongst the largest reserves of uranium in the world. Australia should be playing it’s part for example to sell uranium to India so that India is able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through it’s nuclear power program. So there is a debate to be had,’’ she said…

via Tony Abbott backs nuclear talks after senate block Labor’s ETS scheme | The Australian.

They wasted no time in providing a suite of metaphors and a general theme to characterise Tony Abbott’s adventure as the leader of the Liberal Party. Maybe they want to stir Australians out of their zombie-like political apathy. I can’t wait for the day when he thumps a photographer for crowding him in.

There may be nar but slim pickings come the election. The first test – a riggin’ in Higgins. You hear the platitude so often – remember to vote early and vote often. Is there going to be some way to make sure that some eager voters don’t over do their civil duty? How about a dab of ink or a stamp with UV visible ink once a person has collected their ballot papers to prevent people going to every polling booth to cast repeated votes?