The Nationals have formally abandoned their commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, following a unanimous party room decision. Nationals leader David Littleproud announced the party would shift focus to climate adaptation rather than emissions reduction, proposing to peg Australia's efforts to the OECD average.
Littleproud said the party would set an 'aspiration' to reduce emissions by 30 to 40 per cent by 2035, far below the federal government's target of 62 to 70 per cent. 'We're not going to be a laggard, but we're not going to streak ahead,' he stated.
The decision sets a challenge for the Liberal Party, which is finalising its own energy review. Views within the Liberal Party vary on whether to keep net zero, shift the target, or abandon it entirely. Opposition leader Sussan Ley faces pressure to either follow the Nationals or risk splitting the Coalition.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen accused the Nationals of betraying regional Australia, highlighting the benefits of renewable energy for rural communities. A review by the Nationals-aligned Page Research Centre concluded that net zero no longer serves the interests of Australians, citing rising electricity and gas prices.
The Nationals were originally brought on board for net zero by 2050 under former leader Barnaby Joyce in 2021. The party's federal council voted to remove net zero from its platform, following similar moves by state and territory branches.
