Coalition MPs not for turning on net zero
A group of conservative Liberals and Nationals is refusing to consider any compromise on net zero.
A group of conservative Liberals and Nationals is playing down the prospect of backing any deal on climate or energy policy, saying they would be satisfied only if Sussan Ley completely walked away from net zero.
The Australian reported on Monday that senior Liberals were discussing a climate policy that would see the opposition vow to repeal Australia’s net zero by 2050 laws but retain the commitment under the Paris Agreement, in an aim to strike a deal with the Nationals and keep the Coalition united.
Several Coalition MPs opposed to net zero told The Australian this would not be enough to win them over, with one describing the position as “no man’s land”.
The Australian understands Andrew Hastie will oppose net zero in any form, while Liberal MP Garth Hamilton said the proposal “sounds like we’re trying to be all things to all people”.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who is leading the Coalition’s review into net zero, said the model being discussed by senior Liberals was akin to a “half-pregnant mess”.
“We will be caught between two stools and win nobody over with that approach,” he said. “Net zero is a complete dog.
“It is destroying our economy, it needs to go.”
Senator Canavan denied his personal opposition to net zero would prejudice the outcome of the review he is leading with Nationals frontbencher Ross Cadell.
“Ultimately, whatever comes out of our review will be from the partyroom, not me,” he said. “I’ve got my views, that is clear. There are independent, critical and intelligent minds in our Nationals partyroom and they will bring their own perspectives.”
Coalition MPs have been invited to attend a meeting in Canberra next Friday to discuss climate policy with opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan.
The issue is also expected to come up during the joint partyroom meeting next Tuesday.
The Opposition Leader on Monday responded to The Australian’s report by declaring “our policy is under development”.
“It’s important we get it right,” she told the ABC. “I am not going to stand by and let this government trash energy policy and reduce our manufacturers to closing up, going offshore.”
When asked if the Coalition was falling apart, given Barnaby Joyce had left the Nationals partyroom amid division on energy policy, Ms Ley said “Not at all”.
“Barnaby Joyce is making his own decisions as any individual in the National Party is entitled to, and I leave that as a matter for the National Party,” she said.
While most MPs expect Mr Joyce to defect to One Nation and run for the Senate at the next election, he on Tuesday left the door open to going back to the Nationals “over time”.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout