Australia’s renewable energy potential has repeatedly been held hostage by political maneuvering. Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s tactics to stall investment in renewables are now echoed in Peter Dutton’s nuclear power plan, both serving to delay the nation’s transition away from fossil fuels while maintaining lucrative ties to old energy interests.

Morrison’s Strategy: Stalling Renewables for Political Gain

During his time in office, Scott Morrison’s government was accused of sending mixed signals on renewable energy. Rather than providing a stable framework for wind and solar projects, policies were frequently reversed or left vague—forcing investors into a waiting game. This deliberate uncertainty meant billions of dollars were left on the table, while fossil fuel interests continued to thrive. Reports at the time noted that the lack of consistent policy led to a significant slowdown in renewable investment.

The Credit Grab and Its Lasting Damage

When Morrison’s government finally backflipped and rolled out measures to support renewables, it quickly took credit for a sudden surge in investment. However, critics argued that this was nothing more than political theater—a move designed to distract from years of inaction that allowed fossil fuels to maintain their stronghold. The delayed investments meant that Australia’s renewable energy transition was effectively stalled for years, leaving the nation less competitive in the global clean energy market.

Dutton’s Nuclear Power Plan: A New Tactic, Same Outcome

Fast forward to today, and a similar tactic appears to be at play. Peter Dutton’s recent push for nuclear power is being viewed by many as a deliberate strategy to keep money in fossil fuels. Nuclear power, with its long lead times and enormous upfront costs, could serve as another stall tactic—buying time for established energy interests while the promise of “transition fuel” remains a smokescreen. The concern is that, like Morrison’s inconsistent support for renewables, Dutton’s nuclear plan will further delay investment in proven renewable technologies.

The Bigger Picture: A Consistent Policy is the Key

Both tactics—the policy flip-flops under Morrison and the current nuclear push by Dutton—share one common thread: they undermine investor confidence and slow down the transition to a truly sustainable energy future. Instead of forging a clear, long-term strategy that supports renewable energy, these political maneuvers serve short-term interests, protecting the fossil fuel industry and delaying meaningful decarbonization.

The long-term cost is enormous. Australia risks falling behind in the global renewable energy race, and every year of delay further entrenches reliance on outdated, polluting energy sources. True progress requires a consistent, bipartisan commitment to a clear renewable energy roadmap that doesn’t allow for political theater to dictate our energy future.

Conclusion

The tactics employed by Morrison’s government to stall renewable investment—and now mirrored by Dutton’s nuclear power plan—illustrate a broader problem in Australian politics. Short-term political maneuvers are being used to protect entrenched interests, at the expense of long-term environmental and economic prosperity. It’s time for a radical shift: a long term energy strategy. Only then can Australia break free from the cycle of inaction and secure a sustainable future for all.