Why Australia resisted civil nuclear power

Why has Australia seemed so resistant to nuclear power despite its uranium resources?

Coal supported a large employment constituency, while nuclear generation would sustain fewer direct jobs and therefore faced a strong political disadvantage.

The issue is one of political economy rather than a simple failure to understand reactor technology. Coal supported a large sector whose jobs and regional influence mattered to governments. Nuclear power promised energy but not the same level of direct employment. The resulting policy preference protected the coal economy even while Australia exported uranium and considered nuclear propulsion for submarines.