Federal SA MPs reveal position on net zero targets

Rogue Liberal Senator Alex Antic says net zero is “nothing more than a slogan” – and what do regional SA MPs think?

Achieving net zero emissions is “nothing more than a slogan”, conservative South Australian senator Alex Antic says, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told his party taking climate change action is a matter of national security.

Senator Antic hit out at the government’s climate policy on Monday morning.

“Net zero is nothing more than a slogan created by global bureaucrats and crony capitalists, which will cost Australian jobs,” he told The Advertiser.

The Liberal senator believes Australia already does its fair share in cutting emissions by exceeding the 2030 Paris target of a 26-28 per cent reduction.

SA Liberal senator Alex Antic says net zero is “nothing more than a slogan”.

Liberal and Nationals MPs will hold crucial talks on Tuesday about confirming a 2050 net zero target, which Mr Morrison plans to take to next month’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

The Prime Minister told Liberal MPs on Monday morning the 2050 target was important for Australia’s international standing, particularly with allies including the US and the UK.

The plan needs support only from Cabinet, though some Liberal backbenchers raised concerns about adopting the policy and showed frustration other countries weren’t being pressured enough to also take action.

“China produces more carbon than the developed world combined … and yet (President) Xi Jinping isn’t even attending the talkfest that is COP26 in Glasgow,” Senator Antic said.

Leading the party’s moderates, finance minister Simon Birmingham said there was “no doubt” about the environmental benefits of pursuing net zero.

“We’re going to make sure we take detailed commitments and plans to keep jobs and regions secure, while driving down emissions towards net zero,” he said.

Liberal conservative and Barker MP Tony Pasin is willing to support a net-zero policy that involves harnessing new technology.

Liberal MP Tony Pasin has indicated he will support net zero plans, as long as it doesn’t increase taxes.

“I will oppose vehemently any attempt to achieve that outcome by imposing a tax-based solution,” he said.

Emissions Reduction minister Angus Taylor confirmed in parliament he would adopt a “technology, not taxes” approach.

Fellow Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey said his outback SA electorate of Grey was largely willing to adopt a net-zero plan to align with other developed countries. “Considering our investment profile in Australia, it will be very difficult for us to not somewhat align with (the plan),” he said.

But he wanted Australia to address the “enormous amount of disquiet” about big global polluters making empty commitments to cutting emissions: “We don’t want to become the sacrificial pig to a non-event”.

The Nationals withheld support for the plan after a four-hour meeting on Sunday night.

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