Darren Chester leaves Nationals party room after climate change blow up

Nationals MPs are in disarray after a partyroom split over net zero emissions, with members on all sides of the debate condemning leader Barnaby Joyce.

Climate talks and “frustrations” with leadership have ruptured the Nationals party room, with regional MPs bitterly divided as the Liberals edge closer to a deal on net zero emissions by 2050.

Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce confirmed discussions were taking place between the two Coalition parties about a climate target, prompting a revolt from the Nationals backbench.

Though Mr Joyce had sought to reassure the public any net zero plan he backed would “take people with us” and protect mining, farming and regional jobs, he was outflanked on both sides.

In response, conservative Nationals Senator Matt Canavan warned a net zero commitment would make Australia “weaker”.

Barnaby Joyce is facing a split partyroom over climate change issues. Picture: ABC

“I am deadset against net zero,” he said on Twitter.

At the same time moderate MP Darren Chester sensationally announced he was taking a break from National party room activities, citing a “failure” of leadership.

“My decision follows months of frustration with the repeated failure of the leadership to even attempt to moderate some of the more disrespectful and offensive views expressed by a minority of colleagues,” he said.

Mr Chester said he planned to recontest his Gippsland seat at the next federal election, but would “reassess” his position with the Nationals when parliament resumed in October.

Nationals MP Darren Chester has announced he will take a break from the party room. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Joyce said it was “absurd” to think the Nationals wouldn’t be in talks with the Liberals about committing Australia to net zero emissions by 2050, but warned the minor party would not do so at the expense of towns reliant on mining and agriculture.

“We look at it through the eyes of making sure that there is not an unreasonable loss of jobs … in regional areas,” he said.

Originally published as Darren Chester leaves Nationals party room after climate change blow up