Nuclear for Australia has welcomed the first positive Parliamentary decision since the nuclear energy bans were introduced in 1986, with the Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibition) Repeal Bill 2025 today passing the NSW Legislative Council.
Nuclear for Australia Founder Will Shackel said it is a step forward towards lifting the bans on nuclear energy, noting the law remains up for discussion in the NSW Legislative Assembly.
“What we know based on this evening is that the crossbench and independents are able to look seriously at the science and understand the merits of nuclear energy,” said Mr Shackel.
“We will continue to reach out to parliamentarians from all sides of politics to discuss the benefits that nuclear power can bring to New South Wales and Australia.
“Surely a state that has lifted the ban on gas exploration in regional NSW would also be willing to look at other sources that can provide safer, cleaner and more reliable energy for the people of this state.
“There is growing momentum towards clean and reliable nuclear energy to support the clean energy transition, and we’re pleased that members of NSW Parliament are listening.
“The majority of supporters of nuclear energy are everyday Australians who believe that we need to reset our approach when it comes to nuclear energy in this country.
“New South Wales in particular is facing growing energy demands, and our energy security will be at risk when coal plants are phased out and renewables are intermittent.
“The current NSW Inquiry into Data Centres shows that we must be prepared for significant electricity demand, grid impacts and the associated impacts on emissions reduction targets.
“The Minns Labor Government recently confirmed our current energy pathway is at risk when they opened new areas for gas exploration to ‘keep the lights on when wind and solar output is low’.
“Rather than continuing to pollute the air with fossil fuels, we should be opening the door to clean nuclear energy. Nuclear energy provides 24/7 power without the emissions of gas.
“Lifting the legislative bans on nuclear energy would put this zero-emissions solution on the table and open the door to private investment.
“After steep electricity bill increases over the past five years, the people of NSW would benefit from low and stable costs of nuclear power.
“We’ve been encouraged by broadening interest in nuclear energy across the political spectrum, and we will continue to advocate for pragmatic environmentalism.
“And we commend Hon. John Ruddick for introducing the Bill and the members of parliament who supported it,” said Mr Shackel.
Nuclear for Australia is Australia's largest grassroots movement advocating for nuclear sciences and technologies. More than 118,000 Australians have signed its petition to legalise nuclear power.