The NSW Nationals leader again mentioned nuclear power as “a conversation that needs to be had” during a lunch with NSW Farmers at Loomberah Hall last week. 

It comes just two months after floating the idea for discussion at the annual NSW Nationals’ conference at Broken Hill.

“One of the looming threats to all of us is the cost of energy, and we need to have a broad conversation of what that energy mix is,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Yes renewables, storage and battery storage, gas is part of that mix, and now clean coal, but I always throw a spanner in the works with nuclear – and why not?

“Energy should be our competitive advantage in a  global market and at the moment it is not.

“We need to look at everything.

“Nothing should be taken off the table until we are sure that we have got the energy policy right in this state. 

“We have to be gutsy enough to at least have the conversation.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she welcomed debate on nuclear energy but would hold off on outright support, for now. ​