A high-profile Liberal politician has indicated the Coalition may not honour Australia’s international commitment to set a new 2035 emissions target, as both major parties dodge questions about climate policy in the lead-up to the election.

Andrew Constance, a former NSW state cabinet minister who is vying for the federal seat of Gilmore on the NSW South Coast, told a town hall meeting on Monday that the Coalition would take Australia’s 2035 Paris climate target “off the table” if it wins the upcoming federal poll.