Overview
- Liberal MPs will meet in Canberra mid-week to settle their climate and energy platform ahead of a joint Coalition party room on November 16.
- Several MPs expect the 2050 net-zero deadline to be removed, with a scaled-back emissions commitment plus exploration of nuclear, more gas and extended coal operations.
- Energy spokesman Dan Tehan signalled potential subsidies to keep coal plants running longer and promoted an “energy abundance” approach in partnership with the states.
- Moderate senator Andrew Bragg warned he would resign from the frontbench if the party walked away from the Paris Agreement or abandoned net zero entirely.
- The internal fight is straining Sussan Ley’s leadership, with repercussions in NSW where Kellie Sloane is tipped to replace Mark Speakman as state Liberal leader.