The Liberal Party has formally abandoned its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, a target originally set under the Morrison government. The decision was made during a shadow ministry meeting on Thursday, following a party room meeting where a majority of members opposed maintaining the target.
The party also resolved to repeal Labor's 2030 emissions reduction legislation but will remain in the Paris Agreement. Instead of a long-term target, the Liberals will set five-yearly interim targets and aim to reduce emissions year-on-year in line with comparable countries, using available technologies without imposing mandated costs on Australian families.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stated that net zero would be a 'welcome' outcome but not an active goal. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan emphasized using all natural resources, including coal, to lower energy prices while reducing emissions. The decision aligns the Liberals more closely with the Nationals, who dropped their net zero support earlier this month.
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. South Australian senator Anne Ruston, who argued for keeping net zero, will lead negotiations alongside Tehan and Tasmanian senator Jonathan Duniam.
