Nationals spooked, but net-zero economy still ‘broad position’ of Coalition, says Marise Payne

Foreign Minister backs in PM’s aim of a net-zero economy ‘as quickly as possible’ despite concern he was too forward leaning at G7.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has backed in Scott Morrison’s aim of establishing a net zero economy “as quickly as possible and preferably by 2050”. Picture: Getty

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has backed in Scott Morrison’s aim of establishing a net zero economy “as quickly as possible and preferably by 2050”, declaring it is still the “broad position” of the government.

It comes as the Prime Minister’s rhetoric with international leaders at the G7 Summit last week spooked the Nationals, sparking concern Mr Morrison has been too “forward leaning” in selling Australia’s credentials on climate change.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud on Saturday said the Nationals would only consider supporting a net-zero emissions by 2050 target if detailed modelling is produced showing the goal is achievable and will not damage regional Australia. But despite disquiet among the Nationals’ ranks Senator Payne on Sunday said achieving net zero “preferably by 2050” was still the “broad position” of the government.

“It is the broad position of the Australian Government that we want to achieve net zero emissions as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050,” she told ABC Insiders on Sunday.

“It is a sensible position and we need to make sure that we do it — not by penalising our businesses, our farmers and producers through taxes, but an absolute focus on low emissions.”

Resources Minister Keith Pitt fired a warning shot at Scott Morrison on Thursday, declaring the Prime Minister could not cannot adopt a policy of net zero emissions by 2050 without the backing of the Nationals.

Senator Payne also refused to weigh in on leadership speculation surrounding a possible move by Barnaby Joyce to try and challenge Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for leadership of the Nationals amid concerns over climate change targets.

“I won’t make personal comments or observations on my parliamentary colleagues and I’m not going to inject myself into the National Party’s process,” she said.

Senator Payne said the G7 plus meetings in Cornwall last week had signalled an “acknowledgment” from Australia’s international partners about the “challenges of the geostrategic environment” amid heightened tensions with China.

“I think what the G7 Plus meeting has shown, and a number of our other engagements, is a realisation that the issues around strategic competition, the issues that we are facing in the Indo-Pacific are very real,” she said.