The Liberal Party has agreed to scrap its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, a target first set under the Morrison government. The decision came after a meeting of shadow ministers on Thursday, following a party room meeting where a majority of members opposed the target.
The party also decided to repeal Labor's 2030 emissions reduction legislation but will remain in the Paris Agreement. Instead, the Liberals will set five-yearly interim targets from government and aim to reduce emissions year-on-year in line with comparable countries, without imposing mandated costs.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stated that net zero would be a 'welcome' outcome but not an active goal. 'Our emissions reduction goals will never come at the expense of Australian families,' she said. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan emphasized using all natural resources, including coal, to lower energy prices while reducing emissions through available technology.
The decision brings the Liberals closer to the Nationals, who earlier ditched their support for net zero. Representatives from both parties will negotiate ahead of a Sunday meeting to finalize a joint policy position. Nationals leader David Littleproud welcomed the Liberal stance, saying it mirrors the Nationals' position.
Senior moderates like Andrew Bragg argued to keep the commitment, while conservatives including deputy Ted O'Brien and leadership rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie pushed for its removal. The target was set by former PM Scott Morrison in 2021 and later legislated by the Albanese government.
