UPDATE: The Liberal Party is poised to abandon its commitment to net-zero emissions targets by 2050, triggering alarm among climate officials as the party grapples with internal divisions. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is set to unveil the controversial climate policy following a shadow cabinet meeting on Thursday. This significant shift is expected to extend the life of coal-fired power and promote nuclear energy, raising urgent concerns about Australia’s climate strategy.
The decision comes after a heated five-hour meeting involving all 51 Liberal MPs and senators, where a majority expressed support for dropping the net-zero goal. Climate Change Authority chair and former state Liberal treasurer Matt Kean condemned the potential move, stating, “That’s hugely disappointing … it’s not in the national interest,” during an interview on ABC Radio. He added, “In the case of ditching net zero … delay is just another form of denial selling.”
The shift towards a more conservative climate policy is being driven by the party’s ascendant conservative faction, leaving moderate members feeling increasingly marginalized. South Australian senator Andrew McLachlan voiced his opposition, telling colleagues, “If you’re going to argue that we’re going to abandon net zero, you’re going to be very alone in the community and also the business community.”
Moderate frontbenchers, including NSW senators Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic, have indicated that their positions may become untenable if the party formally endorses the rollback of its net-zero commitment. Despite their concerns, fellow moderate senator Dave Sharma emphasized party unity, stating, “Whatever the party ultimately decides…I’m a team player.”
On Sunday, the Liberal Party will hold a joint meeting with its junior coalition partner, the Nationals, to finalize their climate stance. The outcome remains uncertain, as internal pressures mount on Ley’s leadership. Western Sydney MP Melissa McIntosh assured that Ley’s position as leader remains secure, stating, “I’ve always backed the leader.”
Energy spokesman Dan Tehan presented a new set of principles underlying Thursday’s decision, which include stabilizing the power supply and reducing emissions. The plan also encompasses extending the life of aging coal plants and lifting the ban on nuclear power, alongside repealing several Labor policies labeled as “sneaky carbon taxes.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the Liberal Party’s intentions, asserting that abandoning net-zero targets would regress Australia’s climate progress. “They’re walking away from climate action because they fundamentally do not believe in the science of climate change,” he stated, underscoring the potential fallout for Australian citizens amid ongoing political turmoil.
As tensions rise within the Liberal Party and the ramifications of this policy shift unfold, the urgency for clear and decisive climate action remains paramount. Citizens and stakeholders alike will be closely watching the developments in the coming days, especially during the critical meeting on Sunday.
