The Liberal Party has formally abandoned its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, a target first set under the Morrison government. The decision, made during a shadow ministry meeting on Thursday, also includes plans to repeal Labor's 2030 emissions reduction legislation, though the party will remain in the Paris Agreement.
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 reduce emissions while ensuring energy affordability.
The move follows a party room meeting where a majority of Liberal MPs opposed the 2050 target. Senior figures such as Ted O'Brien and Alex Hawke spoke against the pledge, while moderates like Andrew Bragg argued to keep it. The decision aligns the Liberals more closely with the Nationals, who abandoned net zero earlier this month.
Negotiations between the Liberal and National parties will continue ahead of a joint meeting on Sunday to finalize a unified policy. Nationals leader David Littleproud welcomed the Liberal position, saying it 'mirrors' the Nationals' stance. South Australian senator Anne Ruston, who supported retaining net zero, was selected to lead the talks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the Coalition's shift, accusing them of walking away from climate commitments. The Liberal Party's abandonment of the net zero target raises questions about its electability as it moves to the right on climate policy.
