Constance climate backflip alarming for the people of Gilmore!

February 27, 2025

Liberal candidate Andrew Constance’s statement that the Coalition would drop the 2035 Paris climate targets if elected is alarming for Gilmore - an electorate where residents have increasingly made the switch to cleaner and more affordable renewable energy.

Independent candidate for Gilmore, Kate Dezarnaulds said Mr Constance - who made the comments in a Sky news candidate’s forum that she also participated in at Malua Bay - had previously been a strong supporter of climate action.

In August 2021 when he was NSW Transport Minister he openly criticised his Federal Liberal counterparts for a lack of leadership on climate action accusing some of underestimating the impacts of global warming on future generations and leaving the state to go it alone on reform.

“Back then he was telling us to ‘forget the 2050 target we can get on with this now to generate jobs, to generate innovation’^[i] now he is supporting nuclear power and suggesting we wind back targets,” Dezarnaulds said.

Meanwhile Australia and Gilmore are rapidly moving towards a renewable energy future with households, local businesses and tradies leading the charge—installing solar, batteries, and electrifying homes and businesses.

The Opposition's and Mr Constance's nuclear proposal is just throwing uncertainty into the mix, raising concerns that if they win government, momentum could stall, investment could dry up, and jobs could be put at risk—all while taxpayer dollars are funnelled into a costly, decades-long nuclear experiment. Household access to their solar energy could be curtailed to pay for nuclear.

Dezarnaulds, said we are already at the tipping point of the renewable energy transition, with 50% of energy generate by enable sources and one in three households already installed solar on their roofs. Cheaper and cleaner energy will provide local jobs in Gilmore into the future as Australia transitions away from fossil fuel powered energy

"Australia’s constant backflips on emissions reduction policy have created uncertainty for decades. The energy sector doesn’t need more of the same—it needs consistency. The people of Gilmore—our tradies, electricians, and small business owners—are already building the clean energy future, but they need confidence to keep investing, not a waiting game on nuclear. If the Opposition moves ahead with nuclear, billions could be wasted on feasibility studies while small businesses and families face rising power bills. We should be backing proven, immediate solutions like renewables and neighbourhood batteries that keep energy reliable, affordable, and jobs local," Kate said.

The renewable industry already employs over 30,000 Australians and could grow to 80,000 jobs by 2040 (1). In contrast, nuclear power takes at least 15 to 20 years to build (2), meaning no immediate job opportunities for electricians, installers, or energy workers.

Who Really Benefits from Nuclear?

Critics argue that nuclear energy isn’t about helping local businesses or tradies—it’s about funnelling billions into large multinational corporations and limiting choices for households.

"Electrification could bring $1.7 trillion in savings for Australian households by 2050* but there is a risk that a focus on nuclear will prevent this cost of living dividend being realised," says Saul Griffith, founder of Rewiring Australia. (3)

Meanwhile, the UK’s Hinkley Point C nuclear plant—often cited as an example for Australia—is now 14 years behind schedule and three times over budget (4), serving as a warning for policymakers.Even Australia’s largest electricity provider, AGL, has ruled out nuclear, citing cost, regulation, and public opposition (5).

We Don’t Have 20 Years to Waste—Let’s Back Available, Smart, Local Solutions

The nuclear debate isn’t just about cost—it’s about who pays the price and how long we have to wait. If the Opposition wins, nuclear wouldn’t generate a single kilowatt of energy until the 2040s—too late to ease the cost-of-living crisis or meet Australia’s urgent energy needs (6).to replace failing coal plants.

“This isn’t just a delay—it’s intergenerational inequity in action,” said Dezarnaulds. “Young people will inherit higher energy costs, worsening climate impacts, and the economic burden of nuclear projects, while big corporations profit now.”

The CSIRO’s GenCost report found that nuclear is 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than renewables (7), meaning taxpayers foot the bill for feasibility studies while future generations pay for the delay. Meanwhile, renewables are already delivering—solar and wind now provide over 40% of Australia’s electricity (8), and the industry, which employs 30,000 Australians, is projected to grow to 80,000 jobs by 2040 (1).

For Dezarnaulds, the choice is clear—supporting small businesses, lowering power bills, and backing local jobs should be the priority. “The people of Gilmore deserve an independent voice that fights for them—not for party politics or corporate interests. We need practical energy solutions that deliver cost savings and job security today, not decades into the future,” she said.

With cost-of-living pressures rising, renewable jobs growing, and climate change accelerating, the question remains: Why shift focus to nuclear when the solutions are already here?

-- ENDS --

About Kate Dezarnaulds and Her Campaign for Gilmore

Kate Dezarnaulds is an independent candidate for Gilmore, committed to delivering practical, community-driven solutions for the South Coast. A local business leader and advocate for regional investment, Kate is focused on fixing real issues, including improving infrastructure, strengthening local economies, and ensuring government funding reaches the people who need it. Kate’s campaign is built on listening to the community, advocating for transparency, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change. She believes that Gilmore deserves a strong, independent voice in Canberra—one that puts people before politics.

For more information, visit kate4gilmore.com.au or follow Kate on socials: @kate4gilmore

Authorised by Kate Dezarnaulds, Independent for South Coast Pty Ltd, 3/68 Albert St, Berry NSW 2535

References

^[i] Sydney Morning Herald , August 31, 2021

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