Matt Canavan slams net zero calls as report shows impact on jobs

A new report has found that tougher climate targets will endanger jobs in NSW and Queensland, places where the government must do well at the next election.

A net-zero emissions mandate by the Coalition threatens to be an act of self-harm, with new analysis showing that jobs in outer metropolitan and regional seats would be most at risk from the policy while employment in the inner city remained unscathed.

According to a report by the free-market Institute of Public Affairs, Net Zero Emissions Will Divide Australians, a net-zero push will overwhelmingly hurt high-emitting industries and put hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk in NSW and Qld.

The report notes the Nationals hold the majority of seats where net zero is likely to threaten jobs, while the Liberals hold the majority of seats where jobs are least at risk.

Senator Matt Canavan has criticised the push for net zero emissions. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

In NSW, where the IPA says as many as 172,000 jobs could be on the line due to net zero, the electorates with the most jobs at risk include Parkes and New England, both held by the Nationals, as well as Hunter.

In Queensland, which is critical to the government’s re-election hopes, the story is similar, with more than 162,000 jobs potentially on the line due to net zero.

Former resources minister Nationals Senator Matt Canavan said: “Net zero emissions will mean net zero jobs for so many Australian mining, manufacturing and farming industries. At a time when China is threatening other countries on our region we should be removing the handicaps that hold back Australian job creation. A net zero emissions target will just create more costs to do business in Australia.”

Originally published as Matt Canavan slams net zero calls as report shows impact on jobs