NATIONALS AND LIBERALS SPLIT ON NUCLEAR: WHO DOES PETER LINDSAY SUPPORT?

The Member for Herbert, Peter Lindsay, should follow the lead of the Federal National Party and rule out nuclear power stations or nuclear waste storage in Townsville, Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace said the Howard Government was falling apart on the issue of nuclear power.

Nationals Federal candidate Dr Sue Page, from northern NSW, caused a major rift in the Coalition on the weekend by calling on the Liberals not to build nuclear power stations in Australia.

She was backed by Nationals Party Leader Mark Vaile.

“We now have the Nationals saying the Liberals have got it wrong and Australia should not have nuclear power stations,” said Mr Wallace, who is Minister Assisting the Premier in North Queensland.

“With the Federal election now not far away, Peter Lindsay can’t sit on the nuclear fence.

“He must make his position on nuclear power stations clear.

“Either he supports the Nationals or he continues to side with John Howard and the Liberals and backs a nuclear power station for Townsville,” Mr Wallace said.

Townsville has been suggested as the site of a future nuclear power station, with Ross and Strathmore identified as likely sites.

Peter Lindsay has made the following statements on nuclear power:

“The cleanest and safest form of base load energy”. Townsville Bulletin May 2, 2007.

“Nuclear energy is the only viable baseload form of energy that’s available.” WIN Townsville, February 9, 2007.

“I am surprised that Craig Wallace has completely ruled out nuclear energy, without even considering a genuine community debate on the issue. Mr Lindsay said it was premature to speculate on nuclear energy sites.” Townsville Bulletin, March 3, 2007, when Craig Wallace called on Mr Lindsay not to turn Townsville into Springfield, the town in The Simpsons.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, 0407 131 654.