A pro-nuclear lobby group, founded by a high school student and backed by businessman, Dick Smith, increased its advertising on Meta by 148% in January.
Nuclear for Australia spent more than $24,000 on advertising to reach more than 5M Australians during the month, according to political spending database, Who Targets Me.
The ads claim that nuclear power is safe, reliable and zero carbon… asking people to sign a petition to lift Australia’s ban on nuclear power.
Most of the ads (apx 27%) were delivered to middle aged men (aged 45-54 years) in Queensland.
However, a lot of the organisation’s content, including on TikTok, uses memes and humour to appeal to a younger audience.
The organisation was also promoting the visit of 22-year-old nuclear engineer and former Miss America, Grace Stanke, which was funded by Dick Smith.
The Minerals Council of Australia pro-nuclear campaign, ‘Get Clear on Nuclear’ also increased its spending by 33%, to $9,937 during the month.
Sam Jeffers, Executive Director of Who Targets Me said, “Political advertising transparency is now a vital part of modern democracy. Being able to see who is saying what, to whom, and how much they’re spending to do it helps citizens understand the choices being presented to them before, during and after elections.”
Belinda Noble, founder of climate communications group, Comms Declare said, “In this election year, it’s clear the opponents of renewable energy will peddle the fantasy that nuclear energy is a viable climate solution for Australia. Nuclear power is too expensive, too slow and too much of a risk.”
