The Australian Liberal party has officially abandoned its commitment to a firm net zero emissions target, following in the footsteps of their coalition partners the Nationals, in a dramatic shift that has sent shockwaves through the country's political landscape.
Political Division Over Climate Policy
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley confirmed the party's position during a media appearance at Parliament House in Canberra alongside colleague Dan Tehan. While moderate MPs within the party will still be permitted to describe lower emissions as a "welcome outcome," the party has removed any binding commitment to achieve net zero.
Mr Tehan attempted to soften the announcement by suggesting that unspecified "available technology" would enable Australia to contribute its fair share to global emissions reduction efforts. However, he provided no detailed timeline or specific technological solutions that would facilitate this process.
Swift and Scathing Political Reaction
The policy reversal prompted immediate and strong criticism from across the political spectrum. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young didn't mince words, labelling the Liberals "a bunch of nutters" for their climate policy backflip.
Independent MP Zali Steggall went further, declaring the entire Coalition "unelectable" following what she characterised as an abandonment of climate responsibility. The criticism wasn't limited to opposition figures, with South Australian Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan publishing an opinion piece in the Guardian stating that "you cannot claim to be of the right of politics and shy away from targets that hold you to account."
Broader Climate Context
The political drama unfolds against a sobering backdrop of climate reporting. A recent assessment indicates the world remains on track for a catastrophic 2.6°C temperature rise, far exceeding the targets set in international climate agreements.
Meanwhile, News Corp Australia chair has been forced to defend the media organisation against claims it functions as part of a climate crisis "denial machine," though the company maintains it plays no such role in public discourse.
The Liberal party's retreat from net zero represents a significant reversal from their position during the 2022 federal election, when then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed Australia to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The current shift signals a major reorientation of Australia's climate policy direction that will likely have both domestic and international ramifications.
