Nuclear boosters now in meltdown
First published on The Drum: 22/03/2011
Beyond its gob-smacking human tragedy and the looming economic catastrophe, the Japanese tsunami has thrown a radioactive wildcard into the global debate over climate change.
The fallout from the meltdown of Japanese nuclear reactors will undermine the until-now successful attempts by the nuclear industry to reposition itself as part of the global warming solution.
As this week’s Essential Report shows, the public had been coming around to the idea that developing nuclear power in Australia was acceptable. This has changed dramatically over the past seven days with one quarter of all Australians changing their position.
Q. Do you support or oppose Australia developing nuclear power plants for the generation of electricity?
27 Jan 09 | 20 Dec 10 | Total | Vote Labor | Vote Lib/Nat | Vote Greens | ||
Total support | 43% | 43% | 35% | 29% | 46% | 18% | |
Total oppose | 35% | 37% | 53% | 58% | 43% | 78% | |
Strongly support | 14% | 16% | 12% | 10% | 17% | 7% | |
Support | 29% | 27% | 23% | 19% | 29% | 11% | |
Oppose | 21% | 21% | 21% | 23% | 22% | 15% | |
Strongly oppose | 14% | 16% | 32% | 35% | 21% | 63% | |
Don’t know | 22% | 19% | 13% | 13% | 11% | 5% |

COVID-19 RESEARCH
Read Essential's ongoing research on the public response to Covid-19.
Essential Report
In this week's report:
- Performance of Scott Morrison
- Performance of Anthony Albanese
- Preferred Prime Minister
- Views towards re-electing the federal Coalition government
- Party trust to handle issues
- Importance of Australia’s international reputation
- Scott Morrison’s impact on Australia’s international reputation
- Views towards Australia’s international reputation
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