Australia’s opposition coalition is nearing a final decision on whether to abandon its 2050 net-zero emissions commitment, with internal divisions deepening between moderates and conservatives.
Nationals leader David Littleproud has appointed outspoken anti–net zero senator Matt Canavan to lead negotiations with the Liberal Party ahead of a joint party meeting on Sunday, where both sides will send three representatives to decide the coalition’s climate policy stance.
The Liberal Party is set to hold a party room meeting on Wednesday to debate whether to completely remove the term “net zero” from its platform or retain a softer version of emissions reduction goals. Conservative members argue that opposition to net zero now represents the majority view, calling instead for a focus on “cutting emissions without cutting the economy,” stressing that energy costs and grid stability must not be compromised.
However, moderate Liberals have warned that abandoning the target would be a serious political and moral mistake. South Australian senator Andrew McLachlan said it would be “logically inconsistent” to remain a signatory to the Paris Agreement while walking away from net-zero commitments. “Australia must have clear emissions goals,” he said, “to leave a healthier planet for future generations.”
Insiders suggest that if the party formally withdraws from the 2050 target, NSW senator Andrew Bragg and several moderates may resign from frontbench positions in protest.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton is expected to announce the party’s final position on Thursday, before entering formal negotiations with the Nationals. The outcome could mark a historic policy shift, signaling a complete departure from the Morrison-era commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.