Coalition MP’s ‘grassroots’ nuclear power survey linked to consulting firm

Ted O'Brien came up with the idea for the nuclear energy survey and paid for it, but sought out Helixos as an expert contractor, a source says. Photograph: Albert Perez/Getty Images

A Coalition frontbencher conducting a “grassroots” survey about nuclear power is using a website registered by a business that helps an American small modular reactor company, records reveal.

Ted O’Brien, the shadow minister for climate change and energy, issued a statement on Friday saying he was “launching a grassroots community engagement program” under the banner “Time to Talk Nuclear”.