Qld LNP will back Labor’s 75pc emissions reduction target

The state Opposition has finally revealed its position on the Labor government’s plan to reduce emissions by 75 per cent by 2035.

Queensland’s Opposition has revealed it will support the state government’s ambitious emissions reduction target, in a “significant” move ahead of the state election.

Premier Steven Miles last month unveiled the government’s Clean Economy Jobs Bill to assist industries in the energy transition and set in law an emissions reduction target of 75 per cent on 2005 levels by 2035.

The Bill was Mr Miles’s first official legislative move after ascending to state leader, and was intended to lay out his government’s priorities and challenge the Opposition on its views on climate change.

But Opposition environment spokesman Sam O’Connor moved to qualify the party’s position on energy transition during debate on the Bill on Wednesday, revealing the Opposition would support the laws.

The Gold Coast MP flagged amendments the LNP would outline later in the day, but the confirmation was a significant move ahead of the October state election and revealing of the party’s position on the contentious issue.

Mr O’Connor said there were enormous global economic opportunities available if the transition was successfully adopted, citing data that investment in the low-carbon energy transition surged 17 per cent in 2023.

“Queensland is in a fierce competition locally and internationally to secure as much of that investment as we can,” he said.

Opposition environment spokesman Sam O’Connor

“The LNP’s decision today will provide certainty to the market about the direction our state is heading in.

“Our support today sends a signal to investors that under a future LNP Government, Queensland is open for business.

“The shift to a cleaner economy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring jobs, long-term industries, and new wealth to Queensland.”

The progressive LNP member said the commitment also transcends economic arguments, outlining his concern about the threat of climate change and “our state’s unique and precious biodiversity”.

“Our decision to support the targets outlined in this Bill is significant and it has been carefully considered,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Reducing our emissions by 75 per cent to 2035 is ambitious but it is achievable.”

The revelation comes after the state government moved to wedge the Opposition on its position on climate, with Energy Minister Mick de Brenni previously baiting the LNP to reveal its views.

“Queensland wants to know, they deserve to know... will the LNP leader support our plan on climate action?” Mr de Brenni said earlier this year.

“Will (Mr Crisafulli) in fact be a leader on this issue... or will he stand up to his rabble of sceptics and deniers and cookers?”