Barnaby Joyce tells colleagues he doesn’t support net-zero 2050 climate plan as deal with PM revealed

Australia’s deputy PM has told colleagues he does not support the PM's net-zero by 2050 plan, as the trade-off made for Nationals support is revealed.

Barnaby Joyce has told colleagues he doesn’t support net zero by 2050 despite reaching a new agreement with Prime Minister Scott Morrison overnight to deliver the plan – if the Nationals get an extra seat in cabinet.

Multiple MPs have told news.com.au that the Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce told the Nationals party room that while he didn’t support net zero, he was happy to accept the will of the majority of his colleagues.

Overnight, Mr Joyce and Deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud went to dinner at the Lodge to discuss the deal, which is believed to have included an extra seat in cabinet for the Nationals.

In a statement on Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Resources Minister Keith Pitt – another net-zero sceptic – would be returning to cabinet.

“Minister Pitt is a powerful voice for the resources sector and ensuring that we build upon Australia’s strength in traditional exports, while harnessing opportunities in the new energy economy and critical minerals,” he said.

“Minister Pitt has been a strong advocate for regional and rural communities, both in his portfolio responsibilities and as a local MP, and will work closely with the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction the Hon Angus Taylor MP to ensure we reach our emissions reduction targets through technology that will empower our industries and regional communities.

“Only the Coalition can be trusted to grow our economy, maintain affordable and reliable energy prices, protect our resource industries and manufacturing base that supports rural and regional communities, and take practical and responsible action.”

When asked on ABC Breakfast, Mr Littleproud refused to say if Mr Joyce personally supported net zero by 2050.

“I’m not going to get into individuals,’’ Mr Littleproud said.

Host Michael Rowland shot back, “You’re his deputy. You should know.”

“I do, but I won’t tell you because what happens in our party room stays in the sanctity of that party room,’’ he said.

Nationals David Littleproud wouldn’t say whether or not the leader supported net zero. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

That prompted former prime minister Kevin Rudd to accuse the Nationals of accepting “30 pieces of silver” – the price Judas Iscariot accepted to betray Jesus.

“This is a political charade. The Nationals will accept their 30 pieces of silver from Morrison this week,’’ Mr Rudd said.

“They are a bunch of political opportunists ready to be bought at any price. The real debate is 2030 targets. Otherwise 2050 carbon neutral is bullsh*t.”

But a split has already emerged in the ranks, with Nationals Senator Matt Canavan and NT Senator Sam McMahon raising concerns about the net-zero plan.

Asked if Mr Joyce supported net zero, Senator McMahon told news.com.au that she didn’t think he did.

“I think he said enough on the public record that I don’t think he’s a massive fan of it,’’ she said.

“I don’t believe it’s going to have any effect on overall global temperatures. But, but, you know if it’s what the majority of the public want, then we have an obligation to deliver that for them.

“My view is that I don’t support it from the point of view that whatever we do in Australia is going to have absolutely no impact on global emissions, and global temperature changes.

“I’ve been on the public record numerous times saying that I, I support the adaptation of nuclear energy.”

Speaking after the meeting, Senator Canavan confirmed that he still believed it was a “bad deal”. On social media, he has been posting images suggesting Australians will only be able to eat “14 grams of meat” under net zero.

Senator Matt Canavan has spoken out against the plan. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“To reach the Liberals’ net zero plan, the UN says we can only eat 14g of meat a day. Don’t eat it all at once!,’’ he said.

Senator Canavan said he wouldn’t be supporting the plan.

“Net zero will be a bad deal for Australia because it will send jobs and industry to China just as we face greater risks of conflict.

“I don’t agree with the decision. I let the room know yesterday that I will – as I say, I’ll continue to fight for the blue-collar workers of this country.

Mr Morrison said he welcomed what he described as the Nationals’ in-principle support for the commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“We recognise this has been a challenging issue for the Nationals. I thank the DPM for his leadership and his colleagues for their considered support. I greatly respect the process they have undertaken in reaching this decision,’’ he said.

“Only the Coalition can be trusted to deliver a plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 that will protect and promote rural and regional Australia.

“Ensuring regional Australia continues to grow and prosper is a core objective of any Coalition Government, and this will be central to our plan.

“Australia will continue to reduce emissions while keeping our economy growing, maintaining affordable, reliable energy and ensuring our regions remain strong.”