The Liberal Party is set to abandon its net zero emissions target after a marathon five-hour meeting in Canberra revealed a majority of MPs favour dumping the commitment. Senior Liberal sources confirmed that out of 49 speakers, 28 wanted to jettison the 2050 target entirely, 17 favoured retaining it in some form, and four remained undecided.
The shadow ministry will meet on Thursday to finalise a position following the meeting, which saw heated debate over climate policy. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan said there was “pretty much unanimity” on principles prioritising a stable grid, affordable power, and reducing emissions responsibly. A joint Coalition position will be negotiated by three Liberals and three Nationals, then presented to the party room on Sunday.
Conservative MPs including Angus Taylor, Andrew Hastie, and Senate leader Michaelia Cash argued strongly for ditching the target, with Hastie suggesting a double-dissolution election if the Senate blocked repeal of Labor’s climate laws. Moderates like Andrew Bragg, Jane Hume, and Julian Leeser urged retaining the target in some form, warning of political isolation.
Liberal director Andrew Hirst presented internal research showing voters equate net zero with climate action. Amid the leadership tensions, Leader Sussan Ley and Tehan remain silent on their recommendations. The party’s final position could breach Paris Agreement commitments if it waters down existing pledges.
