Overview
- A near five-hour party-room debate saw a clear majority speak against retaining explicit reference to a 2050 net zero target, with reported counts of about 28 against, 17 in favor and four unclear.
- The shadow ministry meets at 9am Thursday to finalise the position, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley expected to announce the outcome afterward.
- Following the Liberal decision, a three-on-three negotiating team will seek a joint Coalition policy with the Nationals, who have nominated Matt Canavan, Ross Cadell and Susan McDonald, ahead of a combined party room on Sunday.
- Shadow energy spokesman Dan Tehan outlined principles prioritising a stable, affordable grid and responsible emissions reduction, including remaining in the Paris Agreement, a technology‑neutral approach that contemplates nuclear, and rolling back selected Labor climate measures.
- Moderate Liberals have flagged possible frontbench resignations if the party abandons net zero or Paris commitments, as internal research presented by party director Andrew Hirst found voters view “net zero” as shorthand for climate action.