A senior Liberal senator has warned that a mass exodus from the frontbench could occur if the party pursues a net zero by 2050 target at any cost. Shadow education minister Jonno Duniam told Sky News that most frontbenchers and party room members want to ensure any commitment to net zero does not come with unlimited costs.
Duniam's comments come a day after net zero opponent Andrew Hastie said he would quit the shadow ministry if the party re-adopted the climate target. The warnings add to the headaches for opposition leader Sussan Ley, who pledged to review the Liberals' net zero commitment after winning the leadership.
Ley sacked Jacinta Nampijinpa Price last week for refusing to support her leadership. The internal fight over net zero is intensifying as the Albanese government prepares to unveil its 2035 emissions reduction target.
Treasury officials revealed they have been modelling the economic implications of a specific target within the 65% to 75% range recommended by the Climate Change Authority. The Greens accused Labor of pre-determining the target, but government sources said the modelling was to inform cabinet deliberations.
The parliamentary inquiry also heard that Australian Climate Service officials did not personally brief Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the national climate risk assessment before its release. Greens leader Larissa Waters called this 'absolutely appalling'.
