The two Queenslanders who will decide net zero
Two Queenslanders have been revealed as the key to Prime Minister Scott Morrison landing his net-zero commitment.
QLD News
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The net-zero emissions debate that has divided the Federal Government is nearing an end, with the Nationals to present Prime Minister Scott Morrison with a list of demands for their support as early as today.
Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has been working on their questions and grievances with the net-zero plan with special committee including Queenslanders Keith Pitt and David Littleproud, as well as Bridget McKenzie and Kevin Hogan.
While Mr Morrison again reiterated any commitment to net zero would be a decision of cabinet, Senator McKenzie warned “it will be ugly” if it moved ahead without the Nationals.
It is expected that a coal-fired power station for Queensland will not be on the list of demands.
The junior Coalition partner is working on a list of concerns it wants addressed before signing up, with some privately arguing there were still too many unanswered questions.
It is despite a presentation from Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor to a special, four-hour meeting of the National party on Sunday.
Mr Joyce revealed on Wednesday he had set up the committee with four of his colleagues to finalise a position on net zero for the party and would report back to Mr Morrison imminently.
“I believe within the next day, we will get back to him because we are not grandstanding,” he said.
“A decision that affects our nation for three decades deserves, from the National Party, proper oversight and that’s what we’ll do.”
The MPs have been tight-lipped about their demands, but Mr Littleproud said it was more about policy settings than cash.
“We aren’t thinking about 30 pieces of silver,” Mr Littleproud said.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has seized on the uncertainty in the Coalition, accusing the Prime Minister of not being forthcoming on the cost any net-zero deal.
“Scott Morrison has been less than transparent on how much this UN agreement will cost the Australian economy, and until he’s prepared to be honest with the public, voters should be doubtful of his claims,” Senator Hanson said.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said the government had become a “rabble without a cause”.
“After a decade of ridiculing climate action, they’ve been mugged by reality and dragged towards net zero by 2050,” he said.
Originally published as The two Queenslanders who will decide net zero
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