Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has indicated he will quit or be dumped from the shadow cabinet if the Coalition does not abandon the target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Western Australian MP has outspokenly campaigned against the target as opposition leader Sussan Ley faces growing internal pressure to determine the Liberals' policy on net zero.
When asked what he would do if Ms Ley supported the target, Mr Hastie said: "That leaves me without a job." He told ABC Radio Perth: "I've nailed my colours to the mast. If I go out with the tide in two-and-a-half years that's great ... I'll get a lot more time with my kids back."
Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment has warned 1.5 million Australians are at risk from sea levels rising by 2050. The report states 597,000 are living in areas that will become exposed to sea level rises by 2030, with Queensland home to 18 of the 20 most exposed regions. Mr Hastie described the assessment as "climate alarmism", saying it was "put together by politically compromised, economically insulated public servants who are running cover for Labor".
Mr Hastie's comments come after a bruising week for the Coalition. Then-shadow minister for defence industry and personnel Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was dumped from the Coalition frontbench last week after an escalating dispute over her comments about Indian Australians. Ms Ley said Senator Nampijinpa Price "failed the test of high standards" and was moved to the backbench after she failed to declare support for Ms Ley's leadership. Mr Hastie said the demotion was "inevitable".
When asked if the opposition leader had his full support, Mr Hastie said: "She has my support … I wouldn't be sitting here speaking with you as the shadow minister for home affairs."
