Barnaby Joyce’s return sparks fears climate policy to go up in smoke

Barnaby Joyce’s return has raised questions about whether he will push for greater control over the government’s climate change policy.

Fiona Simson, president of National Farmers Federation. Picture: Supplied

The National Farmers Federation says it will continue to work with the government on “how farmers can continue to mitigate the impact of climate change” after a change in the Nationals party leadership sparked concerns about a harder line on climate policy.

Barnaby Joyce was elevated to the role of Deputy Prime Minister on Monday after he successfully challenged former leader, Michael McCormack, for the position.

But the promotion has raised questions about whether Mr Joyce will push for greater control over the government’s climate change policy with key supporters, including Bridget McKenzie and Keith Pitt, having previously signalled they were not supportive of net-zero targets over fears it wold come at the cost of regional jobs.

Mr Joyce on Tuesday said it would not be: “Barnaby policy, it’s ­Nationals policy.”

The NFF, which doesn’t back a “carve out” for agriculture from emissions targets and backs an economy-wide target of net carbon zero by 2050, said it continued to support net zero with two important caveats: that the economic pathway is clearly identified and that farmers are not disadvantaged by regulatory burden.

“Importantly, there are significant opportunities for agriculture and the bush in a reduced-emissions future,” NFF president Fiona Simson said.

The chief executive of the Minerals Council of Australia, which endorses a goal of reaching net-zero emissions “as fast as possible” but has not set a target date, said there was no technical reason why carbon neutrality could not be achieved with offsets.

“Through its Climate Action Plan released a year ago, the MCA supports Australia achieving an ambition of net-zero emissions through rapid climate action in a manner consistent with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement,” Tania Constable said.

Asked in Question Time whether regional Australians who want net zero by 2050 are “wrong”, Mr Joyce said the Coalition would always be “absolutely focused on job opportunities and making sure people maintain their jobs.”

Victorian Nationals deputy Steph Ryan was blunt in her assessment of Mr Joyce’s promotion on Tuesday, declaring “I don’t think Barnaby should be leader”.

OLIVIA CAISLEY