Frontbencher denies coalition nuclear push

A federal government frontbencher has denied the debate on nuclear power is being reopened amid rumours an industry advocate is being appointed Australia's chief scientist.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to appoint Dr Alan Finkel to the job this week, News Limited reports on Monday.

Assistant Productivity Minister Peter Hendy, refusing to confirm the report, told Sky News the government wouldn't look at nuclear energy while Labor still refused to consider it.