Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has affirmed that the Coalition’s decision to abandon Australia’s climate targets will not negatively impact its support in urban electorates. This shift comes as progressive advocacy groups mobilize fundraising efforts in response to the announcement. The Coalition plans to finalize its official climate policy in the coming days, with the Liberal Party now committed to discarding the target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 along with other interim emissions-reduction goals if they regain power.
Labor, alongside Climate 200, which provides financial support to independent candidates, has already launched fundraising campaigns following the policy change, which occurs more than two years before the next federal election. In their proposal announced on Thursday, the Liberals outlined plans to subsidize new and existing coal and gas plants, asserting that this approach will lower electricity prices while still achieving a reduction in carbon emissions over the long term.
Ley stated that her strategy would maintain Australia’s commitment to the Paris climate accord, an agreement the government endorsed during its previous term. This accord prohibits nations from diluting their commitments to cut emissions. Despite this, Ley expressed confidence in her plan, dismissing potential criticisms from international bodies. “If there are reasons why people in Paris or in some United Nations organisation don’t like it, I can deal with that,” she said.
When questioned about how this new energy policy might help the Coalition regain capital-city seats lost to independent candidates in recent elections, Ley emphasized that rising electricity prices are a primary concern for voters. “Let’s not misunderstand what climate action is. If people think that this government’s approach to so-called climate action is working, then they should have a really good look at it, because it’s actually not bringing emissions down,” she remarked.
In quick succession, progressive political campaigners criticized the Coalition’s new policy. Byron Fay, executive director of Climate 200, communicated through fundraising emails, stating, “If the Libs want to make fringe views their official policy, community independents will continue to rise and relegate them to the fringes.”
“This is what we’re up against,”
stated Chris Bowen, Energy Minister, in an email rallying support for Labor, which included options for donations. Former Liberal MP Fiona Martin expressed dismay at the party’s decision, describing it as a “sad day” for the Liberal Party. “Just because you don’t think you can’t reach a target doesn’t mean you abandon it. The Liberals once led for the future; today they took us backwards,” Martin told the Australian Associated Press.
As the Liberals finalize their official stance, they must coordinate with the Nationals, who unanimously agreed to abandon the net zero commitment earlier in November. A joint meeting involving three representatives from each party is scheduled for the coming days to develop a unified coalition policy, which is anticipated to be confirmed during a virtual meeting on Sunday.
