Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been slammed by the MEU for his “offensive” comments about coal mining towns in the region.
The man who hopes to become Prime Minister on 3 May appeared on 7’s Sunrise program on Friday and faced questions about his nuclear plans, with one plant slated for the Hunter.
But, the conversation quickly veered in a different direction, much to the shock of the Mining and Energy Union (MEU).
“If you look at any area like the Hunter or really any coal mining area, their jobs and that industry, that town is done,” Mr Dutton said.
He then added his proposal for nuclear power stations was the solution for future professions in those regions.
MEU northern mining and NSW energy district president Robin Williams said the Liberals frontman had no idea about Australia’s industry.
“Peter Dutton doesn’t seem to know the difference between domestic coal power and our large, thriving export industry,” he stated.
“Most coal mined in the Hunter Valley is exported for energy and steel-making overseas.
“Our industry is still going strong.
“But, we do need to plan for changes to demand in the future.
“We need leaders who back our workers and communities, while putting forward realistic plans and investment for the future.
“The experts say that nuclear power is too expensive, takes too long to build and is unlikely to happen.
“It is not a jobs solution even for coal power workers – with our next plant due to close in 2027, with any nuclear station not completed until the 2040s.
“The idea that it will save employment for tens of thousands of coal miners in the export industry is just as delusional.
“In a decade in government, the LNP invested in no practical, constructive plans for future energy or jobs.
“Now, Mr Dutton’s latest remarks suggest he’s simply writing off the coal industry and coal towns.
“However, coal towns aren’t done… and we can’t trust him with our future.”
A spokesperson for Mr Dutton’s office said his comments had been taken out of context by the MEU.
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