Greens unable to reach consensus on climate targets

A decision to support a major election promise has caused divisions within one party, and some may take a hard-line stance.

A marathon meeting has been locked in after the Greens were unable reach a consensus on whether it will support the government’s climate targets.

The government expects its Bill to enshrine a 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030 and net zero by 2050 to pass the lower house this week.

But Labor does not have the numbers in the Senate and is relying on the Greens and a member of the crossbench to pass the legislation.

The minor party spent Tuesday morning locked in discussion on the Bill but was not able to reach a consensus due to a “diversity” of views.

Adam Bandt will seek a clarification on the climate Bill ahead of a party room meeting. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

A bumper meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with the party room requesting Greens leader Adam Bandt seek a clarification of issues before the discussion resumes.

It’s understood the meeting will go as long as is required. If a consensus cannot be reached on Tuesday, the party will put their position to a vote.

Over the weekend, Mr Bandt was unable to say if the Greens would support the legislation and suggested some within the party could take a hard line.

The government has already moved to ensure the 2030 target is a floor, not a ceiling.

Chris Bowen has previously said he doesn’t need legislation to move forward with the targets. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

But the Greens want a moratorium on new oil and gas developments or a trigger to assess future projects on whether they would make climate change worse.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has repeatedly ruled out supporting the legislation, with the party formally adopting the position on Tuesday morning.

Instead, Mr Dutton promised an internal policy review with an aim to create his own “credible” policy in time for the next election, which would include exploration on how to develop nuclear power.

A small number of MPs have already flagged they are considering crossing the floor to support the government’s targets.

Queensland MP Warren Entsch signalled he has an “open mind” to supporting the legislation, while senator Andrew Bragg indicated he could support the Bill following a Senate inquiry.

During the meeting, a small number of MPs raised concern the Coalition’s opposition could perpetuate the impression the Coalition was opposed to climate action.

The government does not require legislation to enforce the targets but has said it wants them enshrined in order to give business certainty.

Originally published as Greens unable to reach consensus on climate targets