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Aaron Patrick

Barnaby Joyce finds a new cause in nuclear power

Australia's best-known backbencher is hitching a ride to the nuclear debate and creating awkward moments.

Aaron PatrickSenior correspondent

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Who knew? Barnaby Joyce loves nuclear energy as much as he detests abortions.

As a budding debate over splitting the atom fires up in three parliaments, the former deputy prime minister has decided that his new parliamentary vehicle, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources, deserves a piece of the nuclear action.

On Friday morning, before a tour of Sydney's own nuclear reactor, Joyce's committee held a "nuclear industry roundtable" discussion that was broadcast live with about 30 energy industry experts, bureaucrats and lobbyists.

The purpose was, Joyce said, "to dispel some strongly held beliefs which may or may not be true".

He couldn't refer to the hearing as an inquiry, because one of those already exists – and helpfully covered much of the same information last month.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy, which is reviewing nuclear energy at the government's direction, held its hearing in Sydney three weeks ago.

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Several of the same organisations turned up to Joyce's event, which was held in a hotel within walking distance of Sydney Airport, making transport easier for the Member for New England.

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To add to the double-dating awkwardness, Joyce's star witness, businessman Ziggy Switkowski, read out the same opening statement he prepared for the other committee – by phone.

The real inquiry also visited the reactor, where it's a wonder the distracted engineers haven't inadvertently triggered a core meltdown.

Which raises an interesting question: would a nuclear accident that took out a parliamentary committee increase or lower public support for the power source?

Unexpected supporter

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Future generations – at least those who survive in utero – might be able to thank Joyce's sacrifice for clean, reliable electricity.

At least Australia's best-known backbencher was able to produce a slightly unexpected supporter for his new pet cause: the national secretary of the Australian Workers' Union.

Daniel Walton expressed disappointment with union movement colleagues who en masse this week condemned a power source embraced by his membership.

"Some of the arguments that I have seen presented are quite childish," he said.

"How old are you?" Joyce asked the 36-year-old.

Walton answered, and revealed that he came from nuclear country, also known as the Sutherland Shire.

"I have grown up next to the only reactor in this country and I think I turned out OK," he said.

"You look OK to me," Joyce replied.

With this team, the nuclear naysayers don't stand a chance.

Aaron Patrick is the senior correspondent. He writes about politics and business from the Sydney newsroom. Email Aaron at apatrick@afr.com

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