Overview
- The Nationals unanimously scrapped their 2050 net zero commitment and outlined a platform tying Australia’s 2035 cut to roughly 35% based on the OECD average, backing coal, nuclear and gas alongside renewables.
- David Littleproud said the shift aims to lower costs, citing Page Research Centre claims of 39% power bill increases since net zero, figures that are contested and described as coming from a right‑leaning body.
- Labor and the Greens condemned the decision, and business and farming groups including the Business Council of Australia and the National Farmers’ Federation were cited as being out of step with the change.
- Liberal insiders say the party will bring forward its energy policy review, potentially releasing it before Christmas, as Sussan Ley faces renewed internal pressure over the Coalition’s climate stance.
- Barnaby Joyce declined to commit to rejoining the Nationals after the decision, and fresh polling reported by Newspoll shows the Coalition’s primary vote at 24% with One Nation rising to 15%, prompting warnings about losses in metropolitan seats.