Overview
- The Nationals voted unanimously to drop their 2050 net zero commitment, escalating internal pressure on Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and the Liberal Party.
- Liberal leaders met Sunday night and are preparing a special party-room meeting within a fortnight, with the right urging a full exit from net zero and moderates insisting it be retained in some form.
- Nationals outlined an alternative platform backing coal, nuclear, gas and renewables, proposing a 2035 target cut from 70% to 35% and pegging Australia’s effort to the OECD average.
- The party cited Page Research Centre claims that net zero lifted household energy bills and that coal is cheaper than firmed renewables, assertions questioned by business and farming groups.
- Analysts warn the shift could damage Coalition prospects in metropolitan seats and with younger voters, as Newspoll shows the Coalition at a record-low 24% and Barnaby Joyce still considering his future.