Sussan Ley, an important member of Australia’s Liberal Party, currently finds herself in the middle of a contentious firestorm. The battle between the conservative and moderate wings of the party has erupted over the Conservative party’s net zero climate policy. As discussions intensify, the party’s upcoming meeting will focus on whether to continue using the term “net zero” amid diverging opinions among its members. And now we hear from conservatives that the government’s net zero commitment has been thrown overboard. In contrast, moderates insist that their policy is still consistent with this idea.
The internal party rift mirrors larger trends in Australian public opinion when it comes to taking action on climate change. Support for climate initiatives has fallen about 5 points since 2022, but it’s still remarkably robust among urban and younger voters. This divide poses a significant challenge for the Liberal Party as it grapples with its identity and future direction on environmental issues.
Divided Opinions within the Party
Ley is under new pressure from establishment and lefty progressives in her party. Conservatives have expressed their desire to completely abandon the net zero target, arguing that an emissions reduction pledge without a set endpoint is consistent with international agreements like the 2015 Paris Agreement. Some conservative members are already huddling up behind this position. They believe that turning our backs on net zero is an important step in the right direction.
Former liberal MP Keith Wolahan expressed his concern over breaking the promise, saying that “
“Ditching [them] sends a message that we don’t care what they care about.”
His comments highlight the potential backlash the party could face if it chooses to disregard significant voter sentiments regarding climate action.
As we follow these discussions moving forward, we’ve heard other members express the same point. Vocal moderate, senator Andrew Bragg, slammed the decision to ditch net zero as being “absolutely ridiculous.” He went on to stress the importance of getting climate policy in line with what the public wants.
The Debate on Terminology
The upcoming meeting will serve as a platform for Liberals to deliberate over the terminology associated with their climate policy. Ley’s leadership will be critical in navigating these discussions, particularly as party members express differing views on how to frame their commitments moving forward.
This feeling really expresses the tension within the party as it tries to bridge competing visions and still hold a caucus together without breaking.
“I don’t think there is a neat middle ground on the words; it’s a binary test, unfortunately.”
Notwithstanding these political fissures, there seems to be consensus across these factions on the substantive questions involved with climate action. Many members support commitments to reduce emissions and explore alternative energy sources, including nuclear feasibility and extending the lifespan of coal plants. Unfortunately, the net zero commitment’s own future now hangs in the balance.
The potential decision to abandon the net zero target could have far-reaching consequences for the Liberal Party’s relationship with voters. New polling shows that climate action has lost ground Australia-wide, as well as in other similar countries, since 2022. Urban and younger demographics indicate strong levels of support—69% among urban residents, and 75% among residents aged 18-29.
Implications for Voter Support
Abandoning net zero would signal the party doubling down on its difficulty winning over urban voters who consider climate action a top priority. The repercussions of this ruling may become profound and more apparent in future elections as American attitudes further develop on this issue.
At least seven Liberals have publicly signaled that giving up on net zero is their only or at least most likely option. While some members advocate for maintaining a commitment to emission reductions, others caution against alienating voters who prioritize climate policies.
Several Liberals have indicated that abandoning net zero is becoming increasingly likely. While some members advocate for maintaining a commitment to emission reductions, others caution against alienating voters who prioritize climate policies.
