Peter Dutton's comments that coal mining towns are 'done' are alarming for the large number of people who live and work coal regions like the NSW Hunter Valley, the Mining and Energy Union said today.
Mr Dutton told 7's Sunrise program on Friday: "If you look at any area like the Hunter or really any coal mining area, their jobs and that industry, that town is done."
Mr Dutton went on to say his proposal for nuclear power stations was the solution for future jobs in mining regions.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said Mr Dutton's comments showed the Opposition Leader has no idea about Australia's coal industry, which is mostly export focused.
"Peter Dutton doesn't seem to know the difference between domestic coal power and our large, thriving export industry," said Mr Williams.
"Most coal mined in the Hunter Valley is exported for energy and steel-making overseas.
"Our coal industry is still going strong, but we do need to plan for changes to demand in the future. We need leaders who back our workers and communities, while putting forward realistic plans and investment for the future.
"The experts say that nuclear power is too expensive, takes too long to build and is unlikely to happen. It is not a jobs solution even for coal power workers – with our next power station due to close in 2027, with any nuclear plant not completed until the 2040s. The idea it is a jobs solution for tens of thousands of coal miners in the export industry is just as delusional.
"In a decade in Government, the LNP invested in no practical, constructive plans for future energy or jobs.
"Now, Mr Dutton's latest comments suggest he's simply writing off the coal industry and coal towns.
"Coal towns aren't done and we can't trust Peter Dutton with our future."
