Turnbull Picks Nuke Advocate As AustraliaFinkel, pictured, retired
as chancellor of Monash University a few weeks ago. While there he had expounded
his vision of an “electric planet”, where nuclear power would have a
hugely important role in generating massive quantities of suposedly clean
electricity.

Like NBN director Simon Hackett, he’s an electric car enthusiast and has also
established an Australian course in advanced neuroscience to provide advanced
training to early-career scientists.

Announcement of his post as chief scientist is expected to be made today by
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The task of Australia’s chief scientist is to provide high-level
independent advice to the PM and other ministers on matters relating to
science, technology and innovation. He or she may hold other posts in science
groups.