Two types of power

This week, we look at media comment on the coalition government in Australia and at the German government’s decision to extend the operation of the country’s nuclear power plants.

Labor's chance

Australia’s first female prime minister, Labor party leader Julia Gillard, has put together a coalition government. According to The Age, the challenge will be to find a way for the coalition partners to work effectively to meet the needs of the population.

… The issue is whether Labor can still effectively implement a legislative agenda. … This includes climate change and renewable energy, the national broadband network and education and training. … Broadband, education and skills training are policies of a transformational nature and Australia cannot afford to neglect them. … Minority government is not an excuse for marking time and leaving the big issues for next time. …

A step forward

The decision to extend the operational life of German nuclear plants was a good one, writes the Financial Times. It shows a change in attitude to the question of nuclear energy, not just in Germany but in the rest of the EU and the world.

One year after her re-election, Angela Merkel, German chancellor, has made good on her campaign promise to extend the operational life of nuclear power stations. … Nuclear power, currently less than 30 per cent of the EU’s energy production, clearly has the potential to grow — and reduce the vulnerability that comes with being tethered by pipeline to a mercurial Russia. … Extending the useful lives of existing plants, with due regard for safety, is a necessary step. … But this is not sufficient: new reactors must also be built. …