Former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack have teamed up to push for the repeal of Australia’s legislated 43% net zero emissions target for 2030, undermining current leader David Littleproud. The move comes as the government has yet to set a 2035 target, awaiting advice from the Climate Change Authority.
A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency states that renewables remain the most cost-competitive source of new electricity generation. UN Secretary General António Guterres declared that fossil fuels are running out of road and a clean energy age is dawning, but Australia risks missing the window for both environmental and economic benefit through political infighting.
The 48th parliament’s first sitting saw what critics describe as time-wasting point-scoring, with Joyce and McCormack’s push described as irresponsible and gutless. Former Treasury secretary Ken Henry recently called failures in environmental management a “wilful act of intergenerational bastardry”, linking climate and environment policy to the economy.
The Albanese government has revived plans for a federal Environmental Protection Authority after parking broader environmental law reforms. Business groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have expressed concern that a 2035 target of 65-75% emissions reduction would be exceedingly challenging for the economy.
