The Liberal Party is reportedly poised to abandon its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, an official energy policy announcement is still pending and expected after further discussions in Canberra.
During a lengthy five-hour session at Parliament House, party members deliberated over the emissions reduction target initially set by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2021.
With most members favoring the removal of the net zero goal, the party plans to reveal its definitive stance after a scheduled shadow cabinet meeting tomorrow morning.
Addressing the issue, a spokesperson stated, “What benefits the planet also benefits your finances.”
“This holds true for households, nations, and communities alike,” the spokesperson added.
Disagreements over climate policy are also raising concerns about the future leadership of Sussan Ley within the Liberal Party.
Despite recent polling showing a small improvement in the party’s standing among voters, speculation about a leadership challenge over the summer remains.
Right-wing MP and defence spokesman Angus Taylor – now a critic of net zero despite being energy minister when it was announced by Morrison – has refused to rule out standing against Ley.
The net zero target adopted by many major industrial nations was part of the 2015 Paris Agreement which aims to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above the historical average.
It is supported by a range of Australian scientific, medical and environmental bodies, as well as the Business Council of Australia.
