Coalition Contemplates Move Away from Net Zero Targets

Calls for Change from Within

Nationals senator Matt Canavan has claimed that the Coalition is “on the cusp of walking away from net zero.” He has urged Sussan Ley to campaign against the emissions reduction target, drawing inspiration from Peter Dutton’s stance on the Indigenous voice referendum.

Cpac Conference Highlights Discontent

The recent conservative political conference, Cpac, has intensified pressure on Ley to abandon the climate target. A number of right-wing Liberal and National politicians have called for the immediate scrapping of the 2050 goal that was previously supported by ex-Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“Last Rites” for Net Zero?

At the Cpac conference, Canavan stated, “I think we’re on the cusp of the Liberal and National parties walking away from net zero,” suggesting that discussions around this issue are in their final stages.

Internal Debate on Energy Policy

Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan is spearheading an internal review of the Coalition’s energy policy, but no specific timeline has been established for any potential policy changes. Ley recently noted that the party is not prepared to be rushed into setting emissions targets.

Commitment to Climate Action

While Ley has affirmed that the Coalition takes climate action seriously, she emphasized, “but not at any cost,” indicating that any future commitments would be contingent on returning to government.

Tensions Within the Coalition

Some skeptics, including Canavan and Tony Abbott, suggest that not committing to 2030 or 2035 targets could necessitate abandoning the 2050 goal entirely. Canavan urged fellow politicians to demonstrate the courage to confront what he termed “the net zero emperor.”

Leadership and Future Strategies

In his remarks, Canavan commended Dutton’s leadership style during the Indigenous voice referendum, predicting that a similar strategy regarding net zero could shift public opinion. Abbott supported this sentiment, stating that the Coalition has historically succeeded in elections when focusing on climate issues.

Criticism from Labor

Energy minister Chris Bowen responded to these developments, accusing some factions of “betraying regional Australia” by downplaying the urgency of climate action. He pointed to recent climate assessments as evidence of growing risks associated with climate change.

Conclusion

As divisions within the Coalition become more apparent, the future of Australia’s climate policy remains uncertain. The ongoing debate reflects deeper ideological rifts, potentially impacting both party strategy and public perception as Australia navigates its climate commitments.

Published: 2025-09-21 04:05:00 | Source: www.theguardian.com