Opposition backbencher talks up nuclear

The federal opposition is flirting with nuclear power once again, with an outspoken backbencher saying it's the way forward for Australia.
There have been growing calls to go nuclear, partly as a way to slash greenhouse gas emissions.

Liberal MP Dennis Jensen has added his support.
"Nuclear energy is the way forward for Australia," the West Australian MP said.
"Modern nuclear plants are efficient, safe, clean and have minimal impact on the
environment."
Dr Jensen, who is known for being sceptical about human-induced climate change, said
nuclear power would help the environment more than the government's "bungled"
emissions trading scheme.
He pointed to a poll, released on Tuesday, which found more Australians supported
nuclear power than opposed it.
The poll came two weeks after the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and
Engineering released a report saying Australia would probably have to go nuclear to
tackle climate change.
The opposition has at times appeared divided over the nuclear issue.
Frontbencher Ian Macfarlane last year backed nuclear power. His then leader Brendan
Nelson supported his comments, although at other times Dr Nelson appeared to rule
out the nuclear option.
The opposition's official line is that Australia would only go nuclear if both major
parties wanted it.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett asked if Dr Jensen's comments indicated the
opposition was now pushing a nuclear agenda.
He called on Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull to say if he supported Dr Jensen
"flying his nuclear fantasies again".
Mr Garrett said the government opposed nuclear power.
Climate change could be tackled by other means like energy efficiency, renewable
energy and emissions trading, he said.