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Sussan Ley Says She’ll Stay as Liberals Weigh Net Zero After Nationals Dump Pledge

A party-room decision is due within a fortnight, setting up a test of unity before parliament returns.

Overview

  • Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told multiple interviews she is "completely confident" she will remain leader, framing the climate dispute as a policy process rather than a personal contest.
  • The Liberal party room will settle its stance on the 2050 target within two weeks, with Ley saying there will be no captain's calls and that a Coalition position will be negotiated after the Liberals decide.
  • Nationals leader David Littleproud confirmed his party has scrapped its net zero commitment, intensifying pressure on the Liberals to align before the 24 November return of parliament.
  • Conservatives Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are cited by party sources as potential challengers if a spill occurs, though both have publicly played down any move and expressed support for Ley.
  • Moderates warn ditching net zero would damage the party in city seats, with Jason Falinski, Andrew Bragg, Julian Leeser and WA’s Basil Zempilas urging caution, as Newspoll shows the Coalition at 24% primary and Ley’s approval at minus 33.