Federal Labor has accused Energy Minister Angus Taylor of succumbing to the extreme right of the Liberal party in establishing a parliamentary inquiry into an Australian nuclear power industry.
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Mr Taylor issued a request on Friday to the Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy to investigate nuclear as a power source for Australia.
Committee chair Liberal MP Ted O'Brien said this will be the first inquiry into the use of nuclear energy in Australia in more than a decade and possibly the first time the Australian parliament has every undertaken such an inquiry.
Labor's energy spokesman Mark Butler said nuclear power is "dangerous and expensive".
He said it consumes vast amounts of precious water at a time when Australia faces increased water security threats due to the mismanagement of the Liberal government and the impacts of climate change.
"Nuclear energy is up to three times more expensive than farmed renewable energy like solar and wind, backed by pumped hydro or gas, while also posing significant health and environmental risks," Mr Butler said in a statement on Saturday.
Mr O'Brien recognised there are very passionate views on either side of the nuclear debate.
"Like any inquiry, it will be important that as a committee we hear all views, take into account all expert opinions and dispassionately assess all evidence put before us," he said.
The inquiry will be finalised by the end of 2019.
Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable said the the inquiry is an important first step in starting a mature fact-based national conversation for the Australian community.
"The rest of the world is already focusing on the critical role nuclear energy will play in delivering zero emissions, 24/7 energy to a power-hungry world," she said in a statement.
"Nuclear energy is safe, reliable and affordable."
She said with 30 per cent of the world's known uranium reserves and as the third largest uranium producer, Australia will be critical to helping the world meet its need for electricity while also reducing emissions.
At the same time, she said Australia is facing "real challenges" with some of the highest energy costs in the developed world and an ageing base-load power generator fleet.
Australian Associated Press
