Mathias Cormann, the OECD secretary-general, has reignited Australia’s energy debate, urging citizens and policymakers to keep nuclear power “part of the conversation.” Speaking from Paris, the reappointed OECD boss emphasized that there is “nothing inherently partisan” about nuclear energy and warned that Australia must balance its climate commitments with economic responsibility.

Cormann’s remarks come as the Albanese government prepares to unveil its 2035 emissions reduction target—an announcement expected to shape Australia’s climate policies for the next decade.

Backing Current Climate Targets

Cormann praised the Albanese government’s current 2030 emissions reduction goal of a 43% cut from 2005 levels, calling it “well on track.” Yet, he stressed that the next target must be both “globally effective and economically responsible.”

“We need to do this in a way that preserves opportunity for people across Australia and all around the world,” he said in an interview with ABC’s 7.30 program.

With emissions already down 28% since 2005, the government now faces mounting pressure from climate activists demanding tougher measures and from industry groups worried about competitiveness.

Nuclear Debate: “Always Open”

Nuclear energy has long been a polarizing issue in Australia, but Cormann insists it should not be dismissed outright.

“I don’t think it’s a debate that’s ever closed. The debate is always open,” he remarked, highlighting that countries across the globe—including those led by governments of varying political stripes—are actively expanding nuclear capacity.

The comments are particularly striking given that Peter Dutton made nuclear power a central plank of his energy policy during the last federal election. Meanwhile, the Coalition remains divided over its stance on net zero and nuclear investment, undergoing internal reviews under Sussan Ley and David Littleproud following one of the worst defeats in its history.

Cormann, careful not to wade too deeply into partisan politics, reiterated that nuclear power must be considered alongside renewable sources if Australia is to ensure energy security, affordability, and international competitiveness.

Warning to Reserve Bank on Rate Cuts

Beyond climate policy, Cormann also weighed in on the Australian economy. He cautioned the Reserve Bank of Australia against aggressive interest rate cuts, warning that inflation could stay “elevated for longer than anticipated.”

“In a general sense, what we would say is that it’s appropriate for monetary and fiscal policy to remain prudent in the current global economic context,” he explained.

This echoes concerns from economists who fear that premature rate cuts could undermine Australia’s fight against inflation, destabilizing progress made over the past year.

The Global Dimension

Australia’s role in international climate policy is under scrutiny, especially since it signed the Paris Agreement in 2016 under then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Cormann stressed that Australia must stick to its international commitments.

“Climate change is a global problem requiring global solutions,” he said. “Australia is part of that collective effort, and it is critical that our targets are not just ambitious but achievable.”

His remarks reflect the OECD’s position that climate goals should not compromise economic growth but rather be designed to reinforce long-term stability and innovation.

Why His Words Matter

Cormann’s call to keep nuclear “on the table” lands at a politically sensitive moment. With the government days away from unveiling its 2035 climate targets, his endorsement of nuclear power as a legitimate option could give credibility to voices pushing for a broader energy mix.

At the same time, his caution to the Reserve Bank highlights the delicate balancing act between climate ambitions and economic realities. Policymakers now face the challenge of proving they can achieve both.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not Australia embraces nuclear energy, Cormann’s intervention underscores the importance of open debate and pragmatic policymaking. As a former Australian senator and now a global economic leader, his voice carries weight at home and abroad.

The next few weeks will determine how far the Albanese government is willing to push its climate agenda—and whether nuclear power reclaims a place in Australia’s future energy mix.

For more updates on this story and other global developments, visit www.DailyGlobalDiary.com

Perth Tornado: Twister Tears Apart City Beach as Families Watch Roofs Fly Off

In a terrifying twist of nature, a freak tornado-like storm ripped through City Beach, one of the most affluent suburbs of Perth, Western Australia, on Wednesday—smashing homes, flattening trees, and sending families into panic as rooftops were lifted skyward. This wild weather event struck around mid-afternoon and left at least a dozen homes heavily damaged.

“I heard a huge bang and thought all the windows would implode,” said a local resident of Kalari Drive, whose family was relaxing on the couch when the wind blew off the roof of their master bedroom. Solar panels from their multi-million dollar home were reportedly thrown onto neighboring properties.

While the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is yet to confirm if the phenomenon was officially a tornado, the damage path, cloud funnel images, and sudden gusts leave little room for doubt.

Homes Torn Apart as Twister Hits Without Warning

City Beach’s usually serene Lentara Crescent resembled a disaster zone just hours after the storm passed. State Emergency Services (SES) teams rushed to the area, working into the evening to secure properties and clear debris.

Aerial and ground footage showed:

• Roofs completely peeled off
• Carports collapsed under flying debris
• Trees uprooted and hurled across streets
• Fences, bricks, and household items like chairs and bins scattered far from homes

One home on Marapana Road suffered significant backyard damage when trees from neighboring yards crashed through fences and crushed outdoor furniture. “I was just sitting in the kitchen looking out over the pool when everything turned dark… debris, dust, chaos,” the homeowner told reporters.

Solar Panels Launched Like Weapons

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment occurred on Kalari Drive, where solar panels ripped from rooftops flew with terrifying force into adjacent yards and rooftops. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the shock remains.

“Rain poured in through the open ceiling. It’s surreal. It all happened in less than a minute,” a resident said. As night fell, the family was searching for emergency hotel accommodation, unsure when they could safely return.

Weather Bureau Warns of More Wild Weather

According to Main Roads Western Australia, severe rainfall flooded parts of the Perth Causeway near Adelaide Terrace, urging motorists to avoid the area. Swanbourne saw 20.2mm of rain in just a few hours, while Rottnest Island and Garden Island recorded wind gusts up to 76km/h and 73km/h respectively.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a maximum temperature of 14°C for Thursday, with a chance of thunderstorms—especially near the coast. Authorities have also issued a strong wind warning for Perth’s coastal regions.

Not the First: Tornado History in Western Australia

This isn’t the first time Western Australia has experienced such violent weather. Just last year, a confirmed tornado tore through Bunbury, causing millions in property damage and leaving dozens of homes in ruins. The event sparked conversations about the unpredictability of weather patterns in Australia’s southwest region.

Tornadoes, though rare in Australia, are not unheard of. They often form during intense storm systems, especially when warm ocean air meets cold fronts—a combination Perth saw this week.

“Our Yard Is Demolished” — Local Testimonies Paint a Grim Picture

Residents across City Beach have shared similar tales of terror:

“We’ve got trees from next door that have fallen in, two fences caved in, people’s chairs and bins everywhere… our yard is demolished basically,” said one shaken homeowner.

Others described the sound of the storm as “like a freight train” and feared for their children’s safety as windows shook and ceilings cracked.

Footage circulating on social media shows a clearly rotating cloud formation above City Beach Oval, consistent with tornado-like behavior. Officials are yet to declare the event a formal tornado but promise a thorough meteorological investigation.

Emergency Crews on High Alert

Crews from SES Perth, along with local fire services, remained on the ground well into the evening, attempting to secure unstable structures and assist displaced families. Emergency shelters and short-term accommodations are being prepared, though many families have opted for hotels.

Local authorities have urged people to avoid driving through City Beach until debris is cleared and downed power lines are secured.

Could Climate Be Behind the Chaos?

Experts have increasingly pointed to the role of climate change in amplifying Australia’s weather volatility. With record-breaking heatwaves, floods, and now possible tornadoes in urban areas, calls for better infrastructure preparedness are growing.

“This is a wake-up call for city planning and emergency readiness,” a spokesperson from the Climate Council said. “Events like this used to be once-in-a-decade, but now they’re happening annually.”

for more news www.DailyGlobalDiary.com