National Nuclear Tour with Grace Stanke changes hearts and minds on nuclear power

Over the past few weeks, Nuclear for Australia embarked on a nationwide journey, taking to major cities and regional hubs with our National Nuclear Tour, alongside Nuclear Engineer and Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke. The tour, which spanned nine key locations, aimed to educate and spark vital discussions on nuclear power's role in Australia’s clean energy future.

A Nationwide Initiative

The tour saw Grace Stanke and panels of Australian nuclear experts, including Dr. Adi Paterson, Dr. Robert Barr AM, Kirsty Braybon, Lenka Kollar, Jasmin Diab, Nate Smith, Craig Scroggie, Massey De Los Reyes and Robert Barr, sharing critical information and answering questions about nuclear energy. The team visited major cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide—as well as regional areas identified as potential nuclear plant sites including Collie, Morwell, Port Augusta, and Lithgow.

The events were widely attended, often reaching capacity, with many locations selling out and with standing room only. In total, thousands of Australians participated, engaging with experts and learning about the benefits and safety of nuclear power.

Nuclear Parliamentary Briefing in Canberra

A major milestone of the tour was the nuclear parliamentary briefing held in Canberra. Grace and the expert panel presented to politicians and advisors, aiming to inform and engage Australia’s decision-makers on the future of nuclear energy. Despite a month of notice, neither the Prime Minister nor the Energy Minister attended the briefing, an absence that disappointed many within the team, who saw it as a missed opportunity for dialogue on critical energy issues.

Prior to the briefing, the team hosted a media conference, which saw notable public attention. Senator Thorpe, in attendance, vocally opposed nuclear energy, citing unfounded fears about radiation risks—risks that scientific consensus shows to be negligible.

National and International Media Attention

The tour garnered widespread media coverage, with interviews and mentions across ABC, SBS, 7 News, 9 News, Sky News, The Guardian, News.com.au, The Australian, and even international outlets like CNN. The extensive media presence marked the beginning of significant public engagement on the nuclear debate in Australia. Nuclear for Australia continues to advocate for the truth about nuclear power, ensuring the facts reach all Australians.

Tour Highlights: Sandy Ridge and UNSW

One of the most insightful stops on the tour was a visit to Australia’s only national geological repository for nuclear waste, Tellus Sandy Ridge in remote Western Australia. The facility, which handles low-level radioactive waste, provided the team with valuable insights into safe nuclear waste management. Content from the visit, including an interview with Tellus CEO Nate Smith, will be shared in the coming weeks.

Grace Stanke also visited students at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to discuss Australia’s clean energy future. The event, hosted by the UNSW Nuclear Society and AtomCraft, highlighted Australia’s first student-designed fusion energy device, underscoring the innovative potential in nuclear energy.

Looking Forward

As the National Nuclear Tour concludes, Nuclear for Australia remains committed to continuing the conversation about nuclear energy. The tour sparked important dialogue across Australia, and with ongoing media coverage and new educational initiatives, the push for informed, science-backed policy on nuclear energy will continue.

For all those who attended, donated, or supported the tour, the journey has just begun as we continue working toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Australia.

Watch the Perth Event