Climate protesters have interrupted a key foreign policy speech by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Two demonstrators were escorted out by security in separate incidents at the event at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, both protesting the coalition’s proposal to set up nuclear power just minutes into the address.
“Why are you lying to the Australian people about the cost of nuclear?” one of the protesters said as they were taken out of the room.
One of the protesters fell onto other guests who were seated for the speech after he was being led away by security.
The coalition has previously come under scrutiny for the cost of its plans to set up seven nuclear reactors across Australia, should it win government at the next election.
The speech by Mr Dutton at the Lowy Institute was intended as a major set piece before the election, due to be held by May 17 at the latest, about the coalition’s foreign policy platform.
The opposition leader said Australia’s defence needed to be more self-reliant.
“If our sovereign interests are threatened, Australia must never be in a position where we are totally relying on friendly cavalry to come over the hill, and sadly, that is the reality for our country today,” he said.
“History has shown that acquiescence or appeasement ends in a cul-de-sac of strategic misfortune or worse, the government I lead will be fair and firm in its dealings with others.”
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