‘Inevitable’ net zero deal will pass despite Nationals dragging their heels
There is a “sense of inevitability” that the Morrison Government will land a deal on net zero, according to insiders, even as the Nationals continue to push for more time.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There is a “sense of inevitability” that the Morrison Government will land a deal on net zero, according to some insiders, even as the National Party continues to push for more time.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison told colleagues at the Liberal party room meeting on Monday that the future of coal exports would not be determined by Australia’s net zero policy, but decisions made in Seoul and Tokyo, while describing the policy as a national security issue.
It is expected the final decision on net zero will be made by Cabinet, rather than the party room, with the next scheduled meeting on Wednesday.
Nationals on the frontbench would be put in a difficult position if the Cabinet adopts a formal net zero commitment and the junior partner remains opposed.
There were concerns raised in the Liberal party room meeting on Monday about the plan’s heavy reliance on hydrogen.
While there was broad support for the plan, there were some strong arguments put against it.
Moderate MPs are understood to have raised the idea of pushing harder than the current plan, which will not include increased 2030 targets, but were knocked back.
Asked about what would happen if the Cabinet endorsed net zero but not the Nationals, Resources Minister and Nationals-aligned MP Keith Pitt said he did not have a crystal ball.
“We will just continue to have our discussions in a congenial manner as we have over the past eight years and continue to work with our Liberal party colleagues,”
He said the answer on net zero was still “no” but detailed discussions were progressing.
“I’m concerned about the 1.2 million jobs in the resources sector,” he said.
Mr Morrison said while there would be benefits from shifting to the new energy economy, it would be “foolish to pretend” the world’s response to climate change would not also have negative consequences on regional areas.
“That is why the Liberals and Nationals together will ensure that the policies that we have in place, both seize those opportunities that come from those technologies in rural and regional areas and also enables them to deal with the negative impacts that will inevitably come,” he said.
Labor’s Joel Fitzgibbon says it will be a bad mistake if his colleagues “turbocharge” the net zero debate if the government does arrive at a position.
“We’ve got to rid ourselves of the climate wars, get on the same page and get this thing done,” he said.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said the net zero target needed to be legislated and include interim emissions reductions targets to be taken serious.
“This is a Government that’s frozen in time while the world warms around it,” he said.
Originally published as ‘Inevitable’ net zero deal will pass despite Nationals dragging their heels
‘Can Do’ Crisafulli: Newman anoints his successor, with a catch
Campbell Newman says David Crisafulli will be a can-do premier, but has reservations despite declaring him the winner of the second leaders’ debate. WATCH THE REPLAY
Jury deciding case of teen murder accused told to ignore crime debate
A Brisbane jury has been told not to be swayed by political debate around crime as they retire to deliberate on the case of a juvenile charged with murder.