Nuclear tactics pitch politics over policy, say experts

Australia has a nuclear research reactor in Sydney but Peter Dutton wants nuclear power stations. (Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOS)

With the scientific community, federal and state governments staunchly opposed to the coalition's nuclear energy policy, the political purpose behind its announcement is being called into question.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is furiously defending the $330 billion nuclear energy blueprint he announced last month to build seven reactors across five states, costing each of Australia's 13.6 million taxpayers more than $24,200.