The Australian government has allowed debate on a private member's bill introduced by Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce that seeks to repeal several climate-related laws. The move is seen as an effort by Labor to highlight divisions within the Coalition over climate policy.
Joyce's bill, introduced in July, targets laws tied to Australia's net zero emissions commitment. While not expected to be voted on today, several Coalition MPs are anticipated to speak in support of it. The debate follows the Queensland Liberal National conference's overwhelming vote to abandon the party's net zero by 2050 target, a stance endorsed by Nationals leader David Littleproud.
Joyce argued that an open debate on the costs of achieving net zero is necessary for transparency. 'It's incredibly important that the Australian people get some sort of transparency on an industry that has been mired in secrecy,' he told the ABC. He questioned the financial burden on taxpayers, saying, 'You're actually asking a question about how much the taxpayer is underwriting people who are incredibly wealthy.'
The government has pointed to the CSIRO's GenCost report, which finds renewables are the cheapest energy technology even after accounting for transmission costs. However, several Coalition MPs have expressed concerns over the cost of the transition, particularly the Capacity Investment Scheme, which they argue obscures expenses.
The opposition's position on net zero is a key test for leader Sussan Ley. Internal reviews by both the Liberals and Nationals are ongoing, examining whether to retain the 2050 target, push it back, or exempt certain sectors. Nationals senator Matt Canavan rejected any delay, stating, 'That to me just sounds like we still plan to die, we will just die slower.'
