The Liberal Party is grappling with divisions over its net zero emissions target as it seeks unity among its ranks. Sussan Ley, the party’s deputy leader, emphasized that resolving the net zero issue remains a top priority for the party. Meanwhile, Dan Tehan attended a consultation meeting in Canberra with approximately 35 colleagues to discuss energy policies and climate commitments.
Ley has taken an interest in the issue after a visit to the Tomago aluminium smelter in New South Wales. This facility now is being squeezed by sky-high energy prices. The visit underscored the urgency of addressing energy costs, particularly as the debate on emissions reduction continues within the party.
Divided Opinions on Net Zero
When it came time for the consultation meeting, party members were sharply divided on whether or not to go ahead with a net zero target. Other members voiced cautious optimism that there was agreement among members to coalesce around emissions reduction principles. All the while, many were set against the target from the start.
As one MP lamented the clear split in the room over the best way to tackle the “words” of net zero. Far too many within the party appear preoccupied with ensuring the 2050 net zero talk continues. They aren’t rising to the occasion with concrete commitments or deadlines.
“It sounds like leadership is trying to frame it as keeping net zero because they’re the words that if you don’t support, you must be a bad person that’s against action on climate change,” – A Liberal MP
Centrist Liberals were passionate defenders of well-defined emissions reduction targets. They maintained that establishing concrete targets is the best way to show climate responsibility and leadership.
Seeking Common Ground
While their perspectives may have appeared somewhat adversarial, Tehan noted an overall feeling of momentum toward collaboration and consensus. And he added that there is indeed a “pathway to bringing us all together” on the net zero question. Tehan noted that while a lot of compromise was needed, members were largely in agreement on important elements to mitigate climate change.
“The key take-out for me is how many things we’re united on,” – Dan Tehan
Tehan further reminded that the party needed to strike an emissions reduction plan while committing to lower energy prices. He remarked, “They want to make sure we are reducing our emissions so we’re playing our part, and make sure we have lower energy prices our number one priority.”
Many, including on the left, cautioned against getting trapped by this so-called “Labor trap.” They reminded everyone that the priority should remain on finding real answers and not just political slogans.
Concerns About National Party’s Influence
Many Liberal MPs are anxious that the Nationals will do a backflip on net zero. They are even worried that the Nationals may walk away from the target altogether. Many MPs expressed this concern during in camera testimony, underscoring the importance of the Liberals avoiding a divided policy front.
Bridget McKenzie, now an influential member of the party, claimed that they needed to hold strong against threats from outside. She declared, “Our job is to stand up against that, and we’re not going to take a backward step.”
The only person who almost certainly would have been Andrew Hastie, the current Defence Minister, owing to a prior commitment. As he recently alerted, the Coalition must be on guard as these conversations continue. This step is important to keep them ahead on the climate policy and public opinion curve.
