Political tensions among Australia’s ruling Coalition government are rising. Members are unequivocally rejecting the notion of committing to a net zero emissions target “at all costs.” Jonathon Duniam, a senior Coalition member, warned it could have devastating consequences. He warned that it would cause a “mass exodus” from the front bench – particularly damaging to Sussan Ley who has been at the forefront of promoting debate on climate change. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Papua New Guinea at the moment, working hard to cement a major defense agreement. This visit takes place during a time of intense internal discord.
The government is expected to outline its emissions targets for 2035 soon, with pressure mounting from various factions within the Coalition. Duniam’s ill-explained comments reveal the deep splits within the party on their climate policy. Additionally, shadow cabinet member Andrew Hastie—and perhaps the most crucial—has threatened to quit from the shadow cabinet if the party sticks with its present plan on emissions.
Internal Divisions Over Emissions Policy
Tasmanian Senator Jonathon Duniam spoke out against the move, arguing that a net zero target would undermine the future of the industry. He said adopting such a policy without realizing the ramifications would result in stormy and swift resignations from the Coalition.
“If we just said net zero at any cost by 2050, I think you’d find there’d be a mass exodus,” – Jonathon Duniam
Duniam went even further, stressing that most Coalition members would rather take a balanced approach to tackling climate change. He stressed that the overwhelming majority of party members wish to retain the net zero target. Yet, they argue it should not happen at an exorbitant price.
“The reality is that most members of our front bench, and indeed most of the members of our party room, are interested in making sure that whatever we do, if it is to retain a net zero by 2050, doesn’t come at whatever the cost might be,” – Jonathon Duniam
Andrew Hastie’s possible defection to the crossbench underscores how high the stakes are. Hastie has been clear that he will not support any policy that he believes is harmful to Australian national interest. His position reflects an all too common attitude among much of the Coalition. They argue that net zero policies have failed to achieve the benefits sold to the public.
The Review Process and Future Implications
As this debate rages on, Dan Tehan is heading up a review into the party’s emissions policy. Under the law, this full review can take up to nine months to complete. Through all of this, the Coalition will be under a cloud of uncertainty. The results of this review will almost certainly determine the party’s future course on the existential question of climate change as well as its overall political approach.
As we’ve covered, Australian senator Matt Canavan has been quite animated about his opposition to this review being released on such a politically predetermined timetable. He compared it more to “the book of Daniel” than a government accounting. Canavan was keen to stress that it is the voters that have been sold a pup. He pointed to the unmet promise of new jobs in nascent industries, such as hydrogen.
“I have been saying for a long time net zero is not working for Australians. I think Andrew, like many Australians, are waking up to the fact the hype around net zero is not matching the reality,” – Matt Canavan
Canavan made it clear that he’s ready to defend his Coalition brethren as they rage against the machine of net zero policies. He has maintained all along that he would not require Hastie to resign from the frontbench over this issue. Rather, Dreyfus argues that the federal party should double down on its support for state branches that reject net zero commitments.
Defence Deal with Papua New Guinea
As the domestic political landscape heats up, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not letting up on his own diplomatic initiative overseas. He had announced plans for a landmark defence deal with Papua New Guinea, although that appears to be experiencing difficulties in being finalized. The PNG cabinet never made quorum. A number of members returned home to help celebrate their country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
“The PNG cabinet … yesterday was due to meet. They didn’t have a quorum because everyone’s gone back to their places where they’re from to celebrate [the 50th anniversary of independence],” – Anthony Albanese
While there are these hurdles, Albanese sees a hopeful continuity as the treaty negotiations move forward. He reassured that the high level talks would continue despite PNG’s frequent flyer Prime Minister James Marape ruling from PNG cabinet room by remote control.
“So we will be able to advance the treaty tomorrow. Prime Minister [James] Marape is dealing with his cabinet, trying to deal with that remotely,” – Anthony Albanese
Albanese repeatedly made clear his respect for Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty throughout this process, setting Australia apart from other nations in their approach.
“That’s really important that we respect their sovereignty. We’re not like other countries. We don’t come in and try and impose our will on the Pacific family,” – Anthony Albanese
