Toowoomba’s Groom MP Garth Hamilton hesitant over net-zero emissions target by 2050

Garth Hamilton was one of just three federal Liberal politicians to either oppose or express doubt at setting a net-zero emissions target by 2050. His comments have been slammed by his opponent.

Garth Hamilton has expressed doubts over the government’s plan to set a net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton has broken ranks with his government colleagues in expressing hesitancy over a 2050 net-zero emissions target, potentially putting him on a collision course with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Mr Hamilton clarified his position this week ahead of the government’s presentation to the upcoming United Nations’ Glasgow Climate Change Conference next month, which is likely to include a net-zero target.

The Toowoomba MP was one of just three federal Liberal politicians to either oppose or express doubt at a clear target when The Australian polled Coalition members.

The rest either supported the concept or refused to comment.

Mr Morrison is likely to hinge his appearance at Glasgow on whether he can secure a deal with the Nationals over long-term emissions targets.

But Mr Hamilton, who noted he had “no issue” with acknowledging man-made climate change, said the Federal Government should focus more on short-term targets with existing plans that he believed worked.

“We’ve put together a strong investment road map, and we’re very good at getting those short-term and medium-term targets,” he said.

“I’d like to see more of that, that’s what I support.

“They are small, achievable targets that we can be held accountable for.

“What I’m looking for is something so that we can move forward as a nation with confidence — that’s why I like the shorter-term plans.”

Mr Hamilton said he would only support a 2050 target if it was for the entire country, rather than on an industry-by-industry basis.

Labor’s candidate for Groom at the upcoming election Genevieve Allpass slammed Mr Hamilton’s comments, accusing him of supporting the mining industry over farmers.

“He’s putting the interests of mining magnates ahead of farmers,” she said.

“Is he for the farmers or is he actually for the mines, which won’t be sustainable in the future?

“All of our leading industries, bodies and states and 130 other countries share the same goal – do we really want to be left behind?

“I believe Labor has that plan and I’d actually like to see it (net-zero) before 2050, we’ve lost so many clean energy jobs and there’s a lot we can do in the coming decades.”