Fission and fusion are both nuclear reactions. But while one involves splitting atoms, the other involves fusing atoms together.

Putting aside concerns about feasibility and cost, it’s difficult to square the policy with the basic principles on which the Liberal Party was founded.

In a big-target strategy, characterised by a truck load of negativity, as well as laced with a dash of policy adventurism, Peter Dutton is taking the Liberals right back to Tony Abbott’s days.

Peter Dutton has been open since the election about nuclear energy being on the Coalition’s agenda - but that has allowed the government, especially Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, to attack the idea