Helen Caldicott can’t understand why Australians aren’t terrified of nuclear energy.

The discourse surrounding nuclear energy in Australia is heating up as the nation faces significant decisions regarding its energy future. Helen Caldicott, a long-time anti-nuclear advocate, has voiced her concerns that the public's memory of nuclear dangers has faded. Caldicott recalls a pivotal moment from her activism when she warned Ronald Reagan in 1982 about the ensuing dangers of nuclear proliferation. She argues that Australia is inadvertently ignoring the past mistakes related to nuclear energy and safety, particularly with discussions around the Coalition's policy to establish new nuclear power plants as part of efforts to transition from coal to cleaner energy sources. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government seems to downplay nuclear energy safety risks, citing economic factors more than safety concerns when pressed on the topic. This reluctance to openly address public apprehension suggests a broader political strategy that leaves critical safety discussions undeclared, potentially inviting renewed fear and protest from groups like those led by Caldicott. Recent events have highlighted the divide in public opinion toward nuclear energy. Polling indicates that while a faction of Australians are wary about nuclear power due to its historical associations with disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima, others, especially younger voters, show increasing support for nuclear energy, driven by the need for sustainable alternatives as coal resources dwindle. Experts cite that with improved safety protocols, modern reactor designs offer less risk than older models, a point backed by proponents of nuclear energy who argue that nuclear is a vital component in the clean energy transition. Anti-nuclear camps, however, continue to raise alarms about the uncertainty surrounding nuclear waste management and potential accidents, reflected in the backlash against the Coalition's nuclear plans by current voters, particularly in electorates like Dickson, where significant percentages expressed decreased voting intentions due to nuclear policy. This raises pointed questions about the political fallout of advocating for nuclear energy amidst shifting public sentiments. Caldicott's assertion that the dangers of nuclear waste and potential catastrophic events still loom large in public consciousness indicates that the debate over nuclear energy in Australia is far from settled. Her advocacy reminds newer generations of the historical consequences attached to nuclear capabilities, thus framing the current nuclear discourse against a backdrop of human memory and concern about governmental responsibility to manage potential risks effectively.