Overview
- Delegates at the Nationals’ Federal Council in Canberra voted to abandon support for a net‑zero mandate while affirming emissions reduction pursued with a focus on costs, reliability and regional industries.
- Federal Nationals MPs are expected to consider adopting a similar stance at a special party room meeting on Sunday, informed by a review from senators Matt Canavan and Ross Cadell.
- The council motion backs a “balanced” energy mix including coal, gas and renewables and calls for lifting the federal moratorium on nuclear energy.
- Liberal backbench consultations led by Dan Tehan signalled support for cutting emissions but a retreat from an unconditional 2050 pledge, with disagreement over retaining the term “net zero” and no final position yet.
- A separate push to withdraw from the Paris Agreement was dropped, as tensions over climate policy continue within the Coalition and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed the process as a political circus.