On a nuclear path

By Bridget Brady
ZIGGY Switkowski told an audience of about 170 people in Cranbourne this week that Australia has the capability of moving quickly to produce nuclear energy.
Mr Switkowski, the former chief executive of Telstra, spoke about the emerging importance of nuclear energy when he was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Cranbourne’s annual business breakfast at Settlement Hotel on Tuesday morning.
Mr Switkowski, who is the chair of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, said he accepted the compelling evidence and science about climate change, and said the world was headed in the direction of more brutal storms and melting icebergs.
“The only debate, I think, is how fast we get there,” he said.
Mr Switkowski said Australia, unlike other developed country, had not committed to nuclear energy at this stage, but added that the country had the tools to join the cause.
Australian firms were due to build nuclear reactors for other countries, Mr Switkowski said.
“We have the capability and skills in this country to move quickly in this area,” he said.
But, in order to do so, bipartisan support for nuclear energy was crucial, he said.
“My view is we’ll get there.”
Mr Switkowski said he would like to see Australia build its first nuclear reactor in 2020, and have 10 reactors by 2030.
“We need to get the 50-year decisions right, not the five-year ones.”
Rotary Club of Cranbourne president Stan Bankes-Fay thanked Mr Switkowki for his attendance at the breakfast, and his insights into nuclear energy.
The proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Cranbourne Information and Support Service.