The Western Australian Liberal Party has voted to abandon the net-zero emissions target by 2050, increasing pressure on federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to drop the policy nationally. The motion was passed at the WA Liberal State Council meeting held in the electorate of federal MP Andrew Hastie.
Delegates also approved a motion to remove Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags from behind the prime minister at press conferences and to reduce Welcome to Country ceremonies. Both motions were carried with overwhelming support without a formal ballot.
Andrew Hastie, who represents Canning, said the motion sends a clear signal about the party's values. He argued that energy security is national security and that affordable power is essential for Australia's competitiveness. Hastie claimed his 5.5% swing in the last election was a strong endorsement of his stance.
The motion calls for abandoning the net-zero target, reforming related incentives and penalties, and harnessing Australia's coal, gas, and uranium for reliable power. It cites that China, the US, and India, responsible for over half of global emissions, have no intention of meeting net zero by 2050.
This move follows similar decisions by the South Australian Liberal State Council and an upcoming vote by the Queensland Liberal National Party. Federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley is reviewing the party's energy and emissions policy as part of efforts to regain seats lost in the May federal election.
