Australia's Nationals party has voted to ditch its net zero target from its platform, sparking a potential rift within the Coalition government. The decision comes after a bitter brawl between factions over the issue, with some senior members, including Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan, saying climate change is real and emissions must be reduced.
However, the party's leader, David Littleproud, has taken a more pragmatic approach, stating that reducing emissions can be done in a "better, fairer, cheaper way". He also expressed his support for nuclear energy. The motion to abandon net zero was passed by the grassroots members, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into policy.
The move is likely to cause tension within the Coalition government, with some of its allies questioning the party's stance on climate change. Labor has seized on the issue, accusing the Nationals of betraying future generations and farmers in regional communities who could benefit from a low-carbon economy.
Despite the opposition, Littleproud remains committed to reducing emissions, but without the constraints of a net zero target. He is set to meet with Liberal leader Sussan Ley to explore potential compromises on climate change policy.
The decision is a significant departure from the Coalition's previous stance on net zero, which was adopted in 2021 under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Australia's 2030 target is to cut emissions by 47%, with a more ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
However, the party's leader, David Littleproud, has taken a more pragmatic approach, stating that reducing emissions can be done in a "better, fairer, cheaper way". He also expressed his support for nuclear energy. The motion to abandon net zero was passed by the grassroots members, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into policy.
The move is likely to cause tension within the Coalition government, with some of its allies questioning the party's stance on climate change. Labor has seized on the issue, accusing the Nationals of betraying future generations and farmers in regional communities who could benefit from a low-carbon economy.
Despite the opposition, Littleproud remains committed to reducing emissions, but without the constraints of a net zero target. He is set to meet with Liberal leader Sussan Ley to explore potential compromises on climate change policy.
The decision is a significant departure from the Coalition's previous stance on net zero, which was adopted in 2021 under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Australia's 2030 target is to cut emissions by 47%, with a more ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
... The Nationals party ditching its net zero target seems like a big deal, but I think it's great that David Littleproud is keeping an open mind on the issue 
. I mean, we all know climate change is real and stuff, but maybe there are more ways to tackle it than just aiming for net zero? 
He's also got some solid points about nuclear energy being a game-changer 
... But at the same time, I can see why Labor is getting upset – it feels like the Nationals are basically saying that climate change isn't as important as other issues 
. Still, I think we need to have these kinds of conversations and try to find common ground 
. Let's just hope Sussan Ley and Littleproud can work something out 
...
we've been talking about this for yrs now. labors gonna have a field day with this lol 
littleproud says nuclear energy tho... who knows what's next? 
like, i thought the gov was all about climate action but now they're just...meh? 
david littleproud is literally taking a step back from reducing emissions and it's super worrying for our planet 
. but, you know, i still wanna see what littleproud comes up with in his meetings with susan ley 
maybe they'll find a way to compromise? 
meanwhile, labor is going hard on him for betraying the future 
i mean, farmers in regional communities could benefit from a low-carbon economy so its not like it's all bad 
but at the same time, australia's got a big goal to reach net zero by 2050 and this move might just put that in jeopardy 
what do u guys think? 
And now the Nationals party is all about ditching the net zero target... that's just ridiculous! 
We need some real leaders who care about the future, not just our pockets. I mean, what's a few bucks compared to saving the planet?!