As the federal election approaches, with polling day set for May 6, 2025, the political dynamics surrounding nuclear energy policy in Australia have intensified.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the Coalition's nuclear plans during a campaign event, emphasizing a lack of focus on energy policy in the current campaign.

Bowen notably referred to the Coalition's nuclear policy as the 'Voldemort policy,' indicating that it is a topic they prefer to avoid discussing openly.

In this tense political atmosphere, Nationals candidate for Hunter, Sue Gilroy, defended nuclear energy, arguing it is safe and beneficial for job creation, while a Coalition spokesperson condemned Labor for instilling fear regarding nuclear safety.

Labor's MP Dan Repacholi criticized Opposition Leader Peter Dutton for not visiting proposed nuclear sites, suggesting that this avoidance has led to voter skepticism about the Coalition's energy plans.

Dutton disputes Labor's claim that his nuclear plan would cost $600 billion, asserting that the Coalition estimates the cost at $331 billion, despite not having visited any proposed nuclear sites during the campaign.

The discussion around nuclear energy has gained urgency following a 4.6-magnitude earthquake in the Hunter Valley, near a proposed nuclear site, which raised concerns about the safety and viability of such projects.

Experts have indicated that nuclear reactors are designed to withstand significant seismic events, which may alleviate some concerns raised by the recent earthquake.

Albanese has warned that Dutton's nuclear plan could lead to increased power prices, while he himself has not visited renewable energy sites to promote Labor's energy strategy, contrasting with their previous campaign's focus on ambitious climate targets.