Barnaby Joyce goes nuclear, in first speech since losing Nationals leadership
May 31 2022
The New Daily

Ousted Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has urged the new federal government to “come on board” with moving Australia to nuclear energy.   :(

Speaking for the first time since he lost the leadership to David Littleproud on Monday, Mr Joyce also backed his replacement’s call to move to nuclear energy.   

“Let’s be brave enough and start saying things like nuclear energy. Otherwise, you’re going to come up with this implausible position where you say ‘I want to achieve this but I really don’t have the technology to do it’,” he said on Tuesday.   

“I’d love to see the Labor Party come on board with us and not turn it into some sort of ridiculous: ‘You’re going to put a nuclear reactor in someone’s backyard’, which just divides place up.”

The moment Barnaby Joyce started losing his grip on leadership
After winning the Nationals’ leadership spill on Monday, Mr Littleproud said it was time for Australia to hold a “mature” conversation on nuclear energy, which remains subject to a bipartisan moratorium.

Mr Joyce also lobbed another bomb into Australian politics on Tuesday, declaring he had always planned to move away from leading his party, after post-election negotiations for a new Coalition agreement.

The Nationals retained all their seats at the federal election under Mr Joyce, but his leadership was challenged by David Littleproud and Darren Chester, with the former ultimately being successful.

Despite contesting the Nationals leadership on Monday, Mr Joyce called the loss of the spill “a weight off my shoulders”.

“I always said I was transitioning out of the leadership, and that’s what I was going to do,” he said.

“I obviously didn’t want to do it yesterday, but that’s life, it’s politics.”

He said he would stay on as member for the NSW seat of New England for the full term.

Mr Joyce said while he believed he was in a strong position to negotiate the new coalition agreement as the Nationals push for extra representation in shadow cabinet, Mr Littleproud would do a good job.

“Obviously you back yourself in. I know how to negotiate and walk into these things as a business person,” he said.

The former leader lauded his negotiation skills after bargaining a near $30 billion concession from Scott Morrison to sign up to net-zero emissions ahead of the election.

“I’m a little old bush accountant. I know how to do a deal,” he said.

Mr Littleproud said the incoming leadership – which includes new deputy leader Perin Davey – was best placed to take back government at the 2025 election. But he would still draw on the experience of Mr Joyce.

“This isn’t a reflection on the achievements of Barnaby Joyce in any way, shape or form,” he said.

“This is just about who was prepared to lead in 2025 and not have to shift leadership teams halfway through [the term].

“We wanted to have continuity from today, to have a stable leadership team right through, to be able to also have a team around that we’ll take towards 2025.”

Mr Littleproud beat Mr Joyce and Victorian MP Darren Chester for the Nationals leadership at a marathon two-and-a-half-hour party room meeting on Monday

Senator Davey edged out NSW MP Kevin Hogan and Victorian member Anne Webster for the deputy’s position.

Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie will remain as Nationals leader in the Senate.

Mr Littleproud said the Nationals would continue fighting for regional Australia.

“I want to make sure we get our fair share. If we don’t, you’ll hear from me,” he said.

While the Liberals and Nationals needed to remain in coalition to form a viable alternative government, neither party needed to compromise on its core values, Mr Littleproud said.

“We respect the fact we can’t win government by ourselves and the Liberals can’t win government by themselves, so a strong coalition is important,” he said.

“But respecting each other’s values and principles is important in achieving that. If we do that, I’m sure we’ll have a very strong alternative to the current government.”

Mr Joyce rejected arguments the strong stance from him and his colleagues on coalmining was a drag on the Liberal vote, despite acknowledging throughout the campaign he was not popular in the inner cities.

“If you’re the Liberal Party and in a suburban seat, then ask yourself the question: ‘What went wrong for me?’. Don’t start looking around for somebody else to blame,” he said.

“You’re not really facing up to your own dilemma.

“The other thing is you’re just up against an ‘it’s time’ proposition.

“People change the curtains sometimes not because the curtains don’t work, they’re just sick of them.”

If you want rid of coal or gas, nuclear is the only option. All these so-called 'renewables' are inefficient and short lived, with much of their material not being recyclable. They are merely a way for rich investors to make money while pretending to care for the environment.   ::)   

The correct answer is yes we need renewable power.   :(

Belgarion wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 1:18pm:

If you want rid of coal or gas, nuclear is the only option. All these so-called 'renewables' are inefficient and short lived, with much of their material not being recyclable. They are merely a way for rich investors to make money while pretending to care for the environment.   ::)

Have you EVER read a book?

FutureTheLeftWant wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 1:24pm:

Belgarion wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 1:18pm: If you want rid of coal or gas, nuclear is the only option. All these so-called 'renewables' are inefficient and short lived, with much of their material not being recyclable. They are merely a way for rich investors to make money while pretending to care for the environment.   ::)    Have you EVER read a book?

She just got the short version from Paul Murray on SkyNews, don't be too hard on her.

Quote:

‘You’re going to put a nuclear reactor in someone’s backyard’, which just divides place up.”

Yes they say this and then in the implementation they do put it in someone's backyard.

Guess what - it won't be going in theirs and yes it will divide the place up.

Pointing out the problem early isn't creating a problem, it was always there. It isn't dividing the community that was always going to be the result.

Quote:

Mr Joyce said

Here is the problem: - Who in their right mind listens to this nong?

Man remember it was only a couple of years ago he couldn't even correctly work out his own nationality?

If he said that the sky was blue I would go out and check.

I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia.

How could we do it ?

We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great.

Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely.

Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option.

One day but not the current technology.

Have people forgotten how close we came to disaster  when Russia   stormed  the Nuclear  power  station in Ukraine?   Too much of a risk of being abused by terrorists  to even consider it...and then  there are natural disasters  which  could  pose a  problem.

The Chinese were a threat when liberal party were in , now that we have a competent government who dont spruik their reds under the bed crap the diplomats will smooth things over , much to the relief of our foreign traders who lost hundreds of billions whilst libtards shot their mouths off on the telly most nights

I see the science denying Luddites are out in force. More to be pitied  than scorned.  ::)

Nuclear takes far too long to build and is far too expensive.

Possible exception would be modular reactors.

A rigid NO! to nuclear is not right and not needed. If done right nuclearc could be a back up to renewables.

One energy source not being used, tho available in the Cooper Basin—geothermal energy. Cooper Basic could supply Qld-NSW–Vic-SA.

Jovial Monk wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 5:22pm:

Nuclear takes far too long to build and is far too expensive. Possible exception would be modular reactors. A rigid NO! to nuclear is not right and not needed. If done right nuclearc could be a back up to renewables. One energy source not being used, tho available in the Cooper Basin—geothermal energy. Cooper Basic could supply Qld-NSW–Vic-SA.

Will Albanese organise it?

https://arena.gov.au/projects/cooper-basin-enhanced-geothermal-systems-heat-and-power-development/



This technology does not rely on volcanic systems but uses hot basement granite rocks to generate electricity. Hot granite rocks in South Australia’s Cooper Basin reach temperatures in excess of 280 degrees Celsius.

This geothermal energy resource is accessed by drilling wells 4-5 kilometres deep into the granite rock and pumping water at high pressure into the rock to open up its naturally occurring fracture systems. Water is then circulated down injection wells into the hot rocks, through the granite and back up the production wells.

The energy in the hot geothermal brine produced at the surface was used to drive a steam turbine and produced electricity. This project is the first demonstration of EGS geothermal electricity generation in Australia. The 1 MWe Habanero pilot plant operated for 160 days in 2013 and prior to closure of the trial, the plant was operating at 19kg/s and 215 degrees celsius production well head temperature.

Or there is hydrogen—very probematic as hydrogen leaks during production, storage and use:

https://indaily.com.au/news/2022/05/31/design-and-delivery-callout-for-sa-hydrogen-plant/

Bobby. wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 5:30pm:

Jovial Monk wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 5:22pm: Nuclear takes far too long to build and is far too expensive. Possible exception would be modular reactors. A rigid NO! to nuclear is not right and not needed. If done right nuclearc could be a back up to renewables. One energy source not being used, tho available in the Cooper Basin—geothermal energy. Cooper Basic could supply Qld-NSW–Vic-SA. Will Albanese organise it? https://arena.gov.au/projects/cooper-basin-enhanced-geothermal-systems-heat-and-power-development/ This technology does not rely on volcanic systems but uses hot basement granite rocks to generate electricity. Hot granite rocks in South Australia’s Cooper Basin reach temperatures in excess of 280 degrees Celsius. This geothermal energy resource is accessed by drilling wells 4-5 kilometres deep into the granite rock and pumping water at high pressure into the rock to open up its naturally occurring fracture systems. Water is then circulated down injection wells into the hot rocks, through the granite and back up the production wells. The energy in the hot geothermal brine produced at the surface was used to drive a steam turbine and produced electricity. This project is the first demonstration of EGS geothermal electricity generation in Australia. The 1 MWe Habanero pilot plant operated for 160 days in 2013 and prior to closure of the trial, the plant was operating at 19kg/s and 215 degrees celsius production well head temperature.

Its not viable given the depth etc, especially when all they have to do is drill a hole just about anywhere in the Cooper Basin and extract gas and oil. Wind power would beat that hands down and then solar.

Dnarever wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 3:40pm:

I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia. How could we do it ? We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great. Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely. Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option. One day but not the current technology.

Why don't you trust Australian experts to run a facility like this?
Do you always talk our country down?

In the next 10 years most car companies will all have electric options and the cost will come down considerably.

Now when they're plugged in at NIGHT to recharge, where will that power come from?

Gordon wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 6:14pm:

Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 3:40pm: I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia. How could we do it ? We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great. Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely. Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option. One day but not the current technology. Why don't you trust Australian experts to run a facility like this? Do you always talk our country down?

There is nothing in the story to say that it would be run by experts or even Australians ?

There would be almost zero chance of an Australian company winning a contract to do this.

Gordon wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 6:14pm:

Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 3:40pm: I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia. How could we do it ? We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great. Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely. Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option. One day but not the current technology. Why don't you trust Australian experts to run a facility like this? Do you always talk our country down?

It isn't talking the country down to recommend against dangerous technology being adopted.

And it is true that our she'll be right mate attitude is less than ideal for this type of industry. There are many things Australians are great at but I suspect this isn't near the top of that list.

Dnarever wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 7:04pm:

Gordon wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 6:14pm: Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 3:40pm: I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia. How could we do it ? We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great. Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely. Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option. One day but not the current technology. Why don't you trust Australian experts to run a facility like this? Do you always talk our country down? It isn't talking the country down to recommend against dangerous technology being adopted. And it is true that our she'll be right mate attitude is less than ideal for this type of industry. There are many things Australians are great at but I suspect this isn't near the top of that list.

You are a sad person indeed if you have no faith in the ability of your fellow countrymen to operate and maintain nuclear power plants effectively.  There are 32 countries that operate nuclear power plants. These include such places as Mexico, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.....You really think Australians cannot operate such plants when this lot can?  And what of the Lucas Heights reactor? Operated for 60 years without mishap....You are allowing your irrational fear to take charge of you.

Whoever said Dna was rational?

We found an Australia hater.

Belgarion wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 7:50pm:

Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 7:04pm: Gordon wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 6:14pm: Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 3:40pm: I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia. How could we do it ? We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great. Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely. Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option. One day but not the current technology. Why don't you trust Australian experts to run a facility like this? Do you always talk our country down? It isn't talking the country down to recommend against dangerous technology being adopted. And it is true that our she'll be right mate attitude is less than ideal for this type of industry. There are many things Australians are great at but I suspect this isn't near the top of that list. You are a sad person indeed if you have no faith in the ability of your fellow countrymen to operate and maintain nuclear power plants effectively.  There are 32 countries that operate nuclear power plants. These include such places as Mexico, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.....You really think Australians cannot operate such plants when this lot can?  And what of the Lucas Heights reactor? Operated for 60 years without mishap....You are allowing your irrational fear to take charge of you.

Quote:

You are a sad person indeed if you have no faith in the ability of your fellow countrymen to operate and maintain nuclear power plants effectively.

As I said there is nothing in the story to say that this is the intention. It would be unlikely to be the case.


Quote:

There are 32 countries that operate nuclear power plants.

Most have narrowly averted disasters and a few haven't. Most have had human related failures and mostly cost cutting and maintenance standards have been brought into question when investigated. You know the same things that routinely happens in Australia would be an almost certainty over time.


Quote:

And what of the Lucas Heights reactor? Operated for 60 years without mishap

My view is partially based on the opinions of a few people I know who work there or have worked there. They do in fact know the difference between what they do and a commercial nuclear power plant.

I have in the past (late 1990's) worked (science unrelated) with CSIRO physicist and science people (specialising in radiation sciences) who could be called in on projects like this.

It isn't a lack of faith in the people it is that the technology is still basically the same as it was 50 years ago. Yes they made it safer over time but it is still basically the same and it is still not a safe enough option.

It's a weight off your shoulders sitting on back bench Barnaby , maybe another baby and sell your story too new idea again as it's hard living on 180k  ;D

Enjoy opposition Barnaby  :)

Johnnie wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 6:03pm:

Bobby. wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 5:30pm: Jovial Monk wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 5:22pm: Nuclear takes far too long to build and is far too expensive. Possible exception would be modular reactors. A rigid NO! to nuclear is not right and not needed. If done right nuclear could be a back up to renewables. One energy source not being used, tho available in the Cooper Basin—geothermal energy. Cooper Basic could supply Qld-NSW–Vic-SA. Will Albanese organise it? https://arena.gov.au/projects/cooper-basin-enhanced-geothermal-systems-heat-and-power-development/ This technology does not rely on volcanic systems but uses hot basement granite rocks to generate electricity. Hot granite rocks in South Australia’s Cooper Basin reach temperatures in excess of 280 degrees Celsius. This geothermal energy resource is accessed by drilling wells 4-5 kilometres deep into the granite rock and pumping water at high pressure into the rock to open up its naturally occurring fracture systems. Water is then circulated down injection wells into the hot rocks, through the granite and back up the production wells. The energy in the hot geothermal brine produced at the surface was used to drive a steam turbine and produced electricity. This project is the first demonstration of EGS geothermal electricity generation in Australia. The 1 MWe Habanero pilot plant operated for 160 days in 2013 and prior to closure of the trial, the plant was operating at 19kg/s and 215 degrees celsius production well head temperature. Its not viable given the depth etc, especially when all they have to do is drill a hole just about anywhere in the Cooper Basin and extract gas and oil. Wind power would beat that hands down and then solar.

I don't know about gas and oil there.
The whole idea is to have renewable power.

Geothermal energy is great if technical problems can be overcome.

Dnarever wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 9:43pm:

Belgarion wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 7:50pm: Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 7:04pm: Gordon wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 6:14pm: Dnarever wrote on May 31st, 2022 at 3:40pm: I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia. How could we do it ? We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great. Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely. Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practise, I see that as the for never option. One day but not the current technology. Why don't you trust Australian experts to run a facility like this? Do you always talk our country down? It isn't talking the country down to recommend against dangerous technology being adopted. And it is true that our she'll be right mate attitude is less than ideal for this type of industry. There are many things Australians are great at but I suspect this isn't near the top of that list. You are a sad person indeed if you have no faith in the ability of your fellow countrymen to operate and maintain nuclear power plants effectively.  There are 32 countries that operate nuclear power plants. These include such places as Mexico, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.....You really think Australians cannot operate such plants when this lot can?  And what of the Lucas Heights reactor? Operated for 60 years without mishap....You are allowing your irrational fear to take charge of you. Quote: You are a sad person indeed if you have no faith in the ability of your fellow countrymen to operate and maintain nuclear power plants effectively.  As I said there is nothing in the story to say that this is the intention. It would be unlikely to be the case. [quote]There are 32 countries that operate nuclear power plants.

Most have narrowly averted disasters and a few haven't. Most have had human related failures and mostly cost cutting and maintenance standards have been brought into question when investigated. You know the same things that routinely happens in Australia would be an almost certainty over time.


Quote:

And what of the Lucas Heights reactor? Operated for 60 years without mishap

My view is partially based on the opinions of a few people I know who work there or have worked there. They do in fact know the difference between what they do and a commercial nuclear power plant.

I have in the past (late 1990's) worked (science unrelated) with CSIRO physicist and science people (specialising in radiation sciences) who could be called in on projects like this.

It isn't a lack of faith in the people it is that the technology is still basically the same as it was 50 years ago. Yes they made it safer over time but it is still basically the same and it is still not a safe enough option.[/quote]

"Narrowly averted disaster ' is just media senstionalism. Any issues have been of a minor nature  and even with the trinity that the anti nuclear lobby always points to, Three Mile Island, Fukushima and Chernobyl the only deaths from radiation were at Chernobyl, and that disaster was due to political interference in the operation of the plant as well as design issues and operator error.

Reactor technology has come long way since then. To be afraid of nuclear power is like being afraid to fly in a modern jet airliner because of the problems with the Comet.

whiteknight wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 1:20pm:

The correct answer is yes we need renewable power.   :(

The Greens oppose the cleanest and cheapest forms of power which are Hydro and Nuclear.

Tasmania nearly runs on Hydro we can thank Bob Brown for stopping it everywhere else.

Hydro is the cheapest way to generate electricity it still works when sun doesn't shine and wind doesn't blow.

Dnarever wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 3:40pm:

I do not think that Nuclear is still up to the standard that we need for it to be used in Australia.

I reckon we are.  We've operating the nuclear reactor(s) at Lucas Heights
without any untoward malfunctions for over sixty years.


Quote:

We could never trust for it to be run as a private concern the risk would be much too great.

Why not?  Our electricity, gas, and petroleum industries are run by private concerns.


Quote:

Do not see running it as a public enterprise would be any better. We are a far too casual people, I see no outcome that would not resemble Homer Simpson a bit too closely.

Are you seriously comparing the possibility of Australian nuclear power generation
facilities as similar to a silly cartoon figure?  Tell me you're kidding.



Quote:

Anything private would be profit driven and corner cutting would be the practice, I see that as the for never option.

Uh... did you know that all our current wind and solar power generating facilities
are privately owned and operated and—ultimately—profit driven?



Quote:

One day but not the current technology.

What's wrong specifically with current nuclear technology?  How would you suggest
improving it?

Fusion will be the game changer here.

AusGeoff wrote on Jun 4^th, 2022 at 8:49am:

Why not?  Our electricity, gas, and petroleum industries are run by private concerns.

and they are hounded by constant blackouts, supply issues, failing infrastructure and a lack of forward planning.                              

AusGeoff wrote on Jun 4^th, 2022 at 8:49am:

Uh... did you know that all our current wind and solar power generating facilities are privately owned and operated and—ultimately—profit driven?

if if a windmill fails because of it you have an eyesore for the farmer next door and maybe his neighbor too.
If nuclear fails because it's more profitable to cut corners, you have a dead neighborhood.

Youngquinn wrote on May 31^st, 2022 at 3:50pm:

Have people forgotten how close we came to disaster  when Russia   stormed  the Nuclear  power  station in Ukraine?   Too much of a risk of being abused by terrorists  to even consider it...and then  there are natural disasters  which  could  pose a  problem.

Good post (whoever you really are).