In a dramatic 48-hour period, the Liberal Party has voted to abandon its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, marking a decisive victory for conservative MPs. The move culminated in a party-room meeting on Wednesday where a clear majority of Liberal MPs supported dumping the target, with 28 out of 49 speakers calling for its complete removal.
The defining image of the rebellion was shadow defence minister Angus Taylor and backbencher Andrew Hastie walking together into the meeting, sending a unified message to leader Sussan Ley. Conservatives had been building momentum since the Nationals confirmed their opposition to net zero on 2 November, with moderate MPs accusing some Liberals of colluding with the coalition partner.
Moderate MPs, including Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic, had proposed compromises such as downgrading net zero to an 'aspiration', but these were rejected. The party's federal director, Andrew Hirst, briefed MPs on voter attitudes, but the conservative push proved unstoppable. Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash urged colleagues to fight net zero as they did the Indigenous voice referendum.
The decision leaves Liberal candidates in urban seats defending a policy laden with contradictions: staying in the Paris Agreement while breaching its obligations, and promising emissions cuts while supporting coal power. One pro-net zero MP admitted, 'It makes it really hard for some of our MPs to show people that we get it.'
Former energy minister Taylor, who introduced the net zero target under Scott Morrison in 2021, told the meeting it was time to 'move on' and create a point of difference with Labor. Deputy leader Ted O'Brien, who had remained neutral, ultimately sided with the conservatives.
