Sussan Ley, the newly appointed Environment Minister, is attempting to steer the Liberal Party’s climate policy amidst rising tensions between the government and opposition. Ley’s taking her cues from party moderates breathing down her neck. She has already begun the important work of establishing her own definition of leadership, as well as guiding the Coalition’s position on emissions targets. Time is fast running out for her to make bold strides on these issues. With the year rapidly nearing an end, she’ll have to make a move soon.
Ley’s leadership flourishes so long as she enjoys support from the party’s moderates. These moderates are leading the way on a sensible, pragmatic approach to climate policy. As formidable as these hurdles are, these moderates likely have a better avenue to affect the emissions targets. With Ley’s leadership, they might be able to actually win their campaigns. The $64,000 question is this: Can Ley bring her party together? In addition, she needs to determine the right climate policy to meet the needs of both sides of this contentious debate.
Earlier this week, Ley made the rounds on morning television interview shows to defend her party’s new emissions target. She stressed that the process debate has been “positive” for the party. Her comments reflect a commitment to transparency and communication, as she seeks to clarify the Coalition’s stance on climate issues while addressing public concerns.
Internal Tensions and External Pressures
The climate debate further tests the already fraught relationship between government and opposition. Ley is in an impossible position. Her party is wracked with deep internal divisions and remains under attack from the ruling government’s strong criticism of its economic record. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken the opportunity to highlight the ongoing conflict within the Coalition over net zero targets, using it to draw attention away from his government’s challenges.
Independent MP Monique Ryan speaks in the House of Representatives about the government’s implementation. She added, “We’ve seen in Victoria for decades the dangers of an ineffective opposition—an arrogant government is free to run rampant, and Australians deserve better. Ryan’s speech serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a credible opposition to keep the government honest.
To add to Ley’s woes, another then-treasurer and now-minister of concern to all environmentalists has surfaced – Murray Watt. Environmental laws Watt has expressed disbelief that the Coalition would decide to walk away from its net zero commitments. He deemed the proposal “utterly unthinkable.” This internal discord showcases the broader divisions roiling within the Coalition and may undermine Ley’s capacity to drive such a radical policy agenda.
A Race Against Time
With an eye toward the end of the year, Ley is under a tight timetable to make headway on several climate policy reforms. This review of these policies will convene three hearings over the next few weeks. This new development would ramp up the pressure on her to produce results. The net zero decision is now set for a head-on collision with the government’s amended environmental reforms – in the Senate. This new conflict will make her job harder still.
Heathcote Tartan West Australian Premier Roger Cook has been in town this week. For example, earlier this year, he was instrumental in preventing some recent regressive changes. His leadership could do much to improve Ley’s fortunes as she seeks to shepherd critical reforms through before time runs short.
Though these obstacles would discourage most, Ley is adamant about not giving up on her work. She has pledged to get a majority of the reforms passed before the end of the year. Her leadership will be tested as she seeks to balance competing interests within her party while addressing the pressing need for effective climate action.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks will be extremely important for Sussan Ley and her long-term plans to undermine climate policy. Yet she is up against a divided opposition and rising external pressures. To build this required consensus within her party, she needs to learn how to dance in this tricky field. Though negotiations on the opposition’s emissions targets are an ongoing process, history shows her leadership will be central to determining the direction of Australia’s environmental future.
