Share this @internewscast.com
Key Points
  • Sussan Ley is facing a new test on the party’s policies to deal with climate change.
  • One of the Opposition leader’s frontbenchers has threatened to move to the backbench over the issue.
  • Another Liberal has criticised adopting net zero “at any cost”.
A Liberal senator has warned the Coalition will face a “mass exodus” from its frontbench if it adopts a net zero policy without caveats, handing Opposition leader Sussan Ley a fresh test over the party’s stance on climate action.
A day after Opposition home affairs spokesperson Andrew Hastie said he would leave the frontbench if the Liberal party pursues net zero by 2050, his colleague Jonathon Duniam also raised concerns.
“If we said net zero by any cost by 2050 I think you’ll find there’d be a mass exodus,” Duniam, the Opposition education spokesperson told Sky News on Tuesday.
He said Liberal members wanted to make sure the policy would not come at a cost to Australian households and businesses to meet those targets.

“While they’ll (Labor) tell us how much it costs not to act, they won’t tell Australians how much it costs to act.”

But Duniam said a revolt would be unlikely to occur because net zero at any cost would not be something the party would “countenance”.
“Our party room, I’m pretty certain, based on the conversations I’ve had, including with our own leader, Sussan Ley, is that adopting net zero at any cost is bad policy.”

“Net zero at any cost is something that only stupid people would pursue.”

Two men in dark suits and ties walking through a hall, talking to each other

Liberal MP Jonathon Duniam (right) says his colleague Andrew Hastie (left) is “a man of integrity and one who is consistent about his views” on climate policy. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

On Monday, Hastie said he was prepared to quit the Coalition frontbench or face sacking if his party didn’t drop its 2050 net-zero emissions target. The party is currently reviewing the policy.

“I’ve nailed my colours to the mast,” he said.
The report said hazards such as coastal floods, heatwaves, droughts and bushfires are projected to occur more frequently, more severely, and often at the same time, with the report warning Australia — a land mass that warms much faster than oceans — will “reach a given warming level much faster than the globe”.
Responding to the report, Nationals MP Matthew Canavan, a sceptic of climate policy, said it was scaremongering.
“It reads like the Book of Daniel, not a government report,” he said, referring to the Old Testament text, which references the end times.
“I like government reports that are sober and reasonable, not dramatic.”

Labor frontbencher Pat Conroy rejected Canavan’s claims, telling ABC Radio National breakfast on Thursday that Nationals senator was “symptomatic of an opposition that’s woefully out of place, out of touch with both the science and the views of the Australian people”.

Queensland’s Liberal National Party, which includes federal members of the Coalition, passed a resolution to abandon net zero by 2050 at its annual convention in Brisbane over the weekend.
Recent data released by the government found Australia is tracking well to meet its 2030 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels.
Emissions have fallen by 1.4 per cent in the year to March 2025, meaning about 440.2 million tonnes were released in that period — about 28 per cent below 2005 levels.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bevan Spencer von Einem's lifeless body was carried away from prison.

Justice Served: Infamous Child Killer Bevan Spencer von Einem Dies Behind Bars

Bevan Spencer von Einem, a notorious convicted child murderer, passed away at…
The 39-year-old, known as Chrissy, was killed after being attacked by her dog Dexter on Murphy Crescent in Whyalla Stuart after 4pm yesterday.

South Australian Community Mourns Woman Tragically Killed by Pet Dog in Her Home

A tragic incident unfolded north-west of Adelaide, where a woman lost her…
Fans during Splendour in the Grass 2016 on July 22, 2016 in Byron Bay, Australia.

Aussie Music Festivals Face Uncertain Future: Nearly 50% of Australians Suggest Solutions to Save the Scene

Recent feedback from a nine.com.au reader poll indicates a growing demand for…

Judge Demands Accountability After Indigenous Boy’s Name Leaked to 2GB

A NSW judge has extraordinarily called for the employment of the Director…

Leading Indigenous Child Advocate Criticizes New Victorian Youth Crime Legislation as ‘Unjust

The nation’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children says…

Perth Airport Incident: Man Faces Charges for Disorderly and Aggressive Behavior

A man from Western Australia is scheduled to appear in court today…

Putin Escalates Tensions with Strong Donbas Threat, Jeopardizing Peace Deal Negotiations

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published on Thursday that…
Bevan Spencer Von Einem, guilty of the murder of 15yr Richard Kelvin.

Convicted Child Killer Bevan Spencer von Einem Passes Away in Prison

Bevan Spencer von Einem, a convicted murderer from South Australia, has passed…
Aussies paying more for private health insurance and getting less

Australians Face Rising Costs and Diminishing Returns in Private Health Insurance

Australians are currently experiencing increased costs for private health insurance while receiving…

Trump Administration Urges Strategic Shift: Cultivating European Resistance to Current Policies

The United States will reassert its dominance in the Western hemisphere, build…
Bloodied man screams for help after alleged stabbing in Logan

Alleged Stabbing Shocks Logan: Bloodied Victim’s Desperate Cries for Help

A 35-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing…

FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw: Australia Set to Challenge Host Nation United States in Group Revelations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw was as dramatic as the Andrea…