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Liberals Gather to Set Net Zero Stance as Conservatives Push to Scrap the Phrase

Liberals weigh the wording that will shape negotiations with the Nationals this week.

Overview

  • MPs meet in Canberra at midday for a party-room discussion, with no vote expected, and will hear a voter research briefing from party director Andrew Hirst that highlights concerns about power prices.
  • Conservative MPs say they have the numbers to remove any reference to “net zero,” while moderates warn they could resign from the frontbench if the term is expunged.
  • Nationals leader David Littleproud has named Matt Canavan, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald to negotiate a unified Coalition policy, with Dan Tehan expected to represent the Liberals in talks before a joint meeting on Sunday.
  • Alternatives under discussion include tying emissions cuts to the OECD average and a technology-led plan featuring nuclear and carbon capture, though some Liberals dismiss the OECD approach as unacceptable.
  • Many in the party want to remain in the Paris Agreement even if the wording changes, raising questions about how a revised stance would align with Australia’s existing commitments.