Australia Opts Out of US-UK Nuclear Energy Pact

The Australian government has declined to join a new international agreement to advance nuclear technology, citing the absence of a domestic nuclear industry.

• Australia was mistakenly listed as a participant in a US-UK agreement to develop advanced nuclear technology, but it has clarified its position as an observer only.
• Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized that nuclear energy is illegal in Australia and not considered a viable option for the country's energy mix.
• Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the government's decision, arguing it could harm Australia's international reputation and energy policy.
• The agreement aims to pool resources among member countries to accelerate nuclear technology development, excluding Russia from participation.
• Australia will continue to focus on renewable energy partnerships, as highlighted by a new climate and energy agreement signed between Australia and the UK at the COP29 summit.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Guardian The Conversation