Nationals’ Dramatic U-Turn on Net Zero: Coalition Party Abandons Climate Change Commitment Amidst Fears of Economic Backlash
- The Nationals have ditched their support for net zero emissions, sparking fears of a coalition split and a major backdown on climate change action
- The move comes as the party’s federal MPs prepare to meet to discuss their climate and energy policy, with some predicting a similar abandonment of the net zero target
- The decision has been labelled a “circus” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who says the world is moving ahead on climate change while the Coalition is stuck in the past
In a shocking move, the Nationals have axed their support for net zero emissions, paving the way for a potential coalition split and a major backdown on climate change action. The decision was made at a meeting of the party’s Federal Council in Canberra on Saturday, and is seen as a major victory for those who have long argued that the net zero target is too ambitious and will harm the economy.
The move has sparked fears that the Nationals’ federal MPs will follow suit, with a special party room meeting due to take place tomorrow to discuss the party’s climate and energy policy. Nationals leader David Littleproud has said that the party will consider a “balanced energy mix” that includes coal, gas, and renewable energy sources, and has vowed to put the interests of Australian industries first.
“We’ve been on a long considered process around understanding the implications of energy and climate policy in this country,” Littleproud said. “And whether there are better ways, fairer ways, cheaper ways for Australians to be able to contribute globally, but to make sure that Australia remains strong.”
The decision has been met with outrage from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who labelled the Coalition’s net zero process a “circus” and said that the world is moving ahead on climate change while the Coalition is stuck in the past. “The world is getting on with the transition to net zero,” Albanese said. “Overwhelmingly, the world sees that the transition to net zero and climate change is real.”
The Nationals’ decision has also sparked divisions within the Coalition, with some Liberals fearing that the party will use the move as a pretext to front-run their joint process and take a Nationals-only stance on net zero. Moderates and conservatives within the Liberal Party are split on the issue, and the party’s energy policy meeting on Friday was marked by tensions and disagreements.
Meanwhile, Barnaby Joyce has described himself as a “free agent” and is taking time away from the Nationals party room, citing a deterioration in his relationship with leader David Littleproud and his strident opposition to net zero. The issue has also created frustration among Nationals, who are worried about the party’s lack of direction on climate change.
The Nationals’ decision to abandon net zero has sparked a fierce debate about the future of climate change policy in Australia, and raises serious questions about the Coalition’s commitment to reducing emissions and protecting the environment.