It was a big move from a member of a party who has also shown its preparedness to tackle Prime Minsiter Kevin Rudd on his government's emissions trading scheme (ETS).

According to Ms Bishop, the people of the coal-dependent Hunter should be concerned about the ETS.

She's correct on that.

In recent days the Australian Coal Association has swamped the State with its expensive advertising campaign, warning that many thousands of regional NSW jobs could be in jeopardy if the new tax on coal mines is implemented.

But whether those people who would like to see an end to "dirty" coal and would be prepared to embrace "clean" nuclear energy, is another matter.

Australia has some of the world's largest uranium deposits.

As a nation we are prepared to mine and export it – but not use it to power the country.

As a nation we put ourselves on a pedestal with other global leaders – and yet 19 of the the 20 countries that make up the so-called G20 have nuclear energy as part of their alternative energy sources.

This country has always been uncomfortable with the notion of how to dispose of nuclear waste.

No state or territory wants to have a waste facility in their backyard.

The pressure is on from all angles. The coal industry wants to save jobs, the green lobby wants an even tougher ETS than what is being proposed and Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull is in danger of imploding over the issue.

It just might be the right time to pull out all the jokers in the pack and put the nuclear debate on the table.