Liberal MPs are convinced that the party's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 will be formally abandoned after next week's party meeting, with internal sources describing the policy as 'dead'. The move follows the Nationals' decision to dump the target, incensing pro-net zero Liberals who now face a race against time to salvage any form of climate commitment.
Senior Liberals have acknowledged that the populist right's 'pathological hatred of the environment' has poisoned the debate, diminishing hopes of a compromise. The party's position will be settled at a shadow ministry meeting next Thursday, after which the Coalition partners will negotiate a single policy expected to align Australia's emissions reduction pace with other countries, effectively scrapping the 2050 deadline.
Some Liberal MPs fear the decision could inflict lasting electoral damage, particularly in urban centres where voters are increasingly concerned about climate change. The Nationals' announcement of their position in advance of the Liberals has been criticised for forcing the Coalition into a hasty retreat on climate policy.
Internal discussions among the Liberal leadership team revealed that South Australian Senator Anne Ruston was the only member to speak against abandoning net zero, reportedly telling colleagues that the Nationals had once again put a 'gun' to the head of their Coalition partner. The pro-net zero faction regrets allowing the Nationals to front-run the policy debate, creating momentum for opponents to mobilise.
