Coalition showdown on net zero looms amid speculation more MPs could quit over policy | Coalition

Coalition supporters are bracing for a showdown on net zero as pressure mounts on Sussan Ley’s opposition to resolve her position, amid speculation more MPs could join Barnaby Joyce in resigning if the policy is not abandoned.

Liberal and National MPs have been invited to stay in Canberra after the upcoming session week for a three-hour closed-door debate on energy policy, including a net-zero energy policy by 2050.

Guardian Australia understands most National MPs will not be able to attend next Friday’s meeting due to daily conflict.

The purpose of the meeting is not to decide on a final position, but rather to give backbench MPs the opportunity to argue their case for or against maintaining a target initially agreed under Joyce and Scott Morrison’s leadership in 2021.

A growing number of opposition MPs are frustrated that the “threshold issue” on whether to support or reduce net zero has remained unresolved for more than five months after the federal election defeat.

Two internal reviews are examining the question; one is being led by shadow energy minister Dan Tehan and a separate National inquiry is being conducted.

The Nationals review, co-led by anti-net zero campaigner Matt Canavan, reportedly It will be completed before Christmas and will likely result in the party abandoning its commitment to the target.

Given Ley needs Nationals support to form policy through a shadow cabinet, this looks set to make it impossible for the Coalition to retain net zero even if the Liberals want to.

Canavan’s office declined to comment on the National net zero investigation.

Senior Liberals believe a policy that maintains net zero but comes with a set of caveats could appeal to both Nationals fighting One Nation and metropolitan Liberals trying to regain a foothold in capitals.

“ [review] The process has been important since our election loss, but there is a growing feeling that we need to solve this problem. [net zero] “It’s not too late, it’s soon,” said Liberal senator and ardent net zero supporter Andrew McLachlan.

“Society wants us to have a strong and robust response to climate change.”

Nationals MP and former leader Michael McCormack told Guardian Australia it was “pretty clear where the Nationals are going”; This was a reference to the country’s expectation that the party would move away from politics.

McCormack said it was reasonable for the opposition to spend time developing policy, but the sooner the net zero issue was resolved the better.

“We have blood right now and it looks very, very patchy,” he said.

Tehan will attend next Friday’s three-hour meeting, which will give each MP the opportunity to express their views on climate and energy policy, according to an invitation issued Friday.

“To attend this meeting, you will need to stay in Canberra on Friday and listen to the views of your colleagues and share your own views,” the invitation read.

The meeting is being organized by the Coalition’s economic policy committee, whose conveners Jane Hume and Simon Kennedy support net zero.

Joyce cited the Nationals’ current position supporting net zero and an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with leader David Littleproud as reasons for his departure from the party.

On Monday the former deputy prime minister confirmed he had spoken to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson but said “nothing was locked” amid speculation he would defect to the far-right party and possibly run for the Senate at the next election.

Hanson’s office declined to comment when contacted Monday.

Australian Nationals MP Llew O’Brien, a close ally of Joyce, also said he would consider resigning if the country’s party recommitted to net zero.

Canavan, a long-time Joyce ally, refused to switch parties.

“For me it’s Nats or bust. I’ll continue to fight hard against the net zero scam but I won’t be joining any other party,” Canavan said on social media.

Liberal MP Garth Hamilton, who is among many Liberals openly opposed to net zero, said he would not resign even if the Coalition recommitted.

“I’m staying in the tent,” he said. “[But] I believe my defense will win.”

Another Liberal MP, who expects the coalition to eventually agree to a net zero policy “with conditions”, said there was no need for the opposition to rush to take a stand.

“We currently lack credibility. We must rebuild that credibility by highlighting the weaknesses in the government’s approach. When people see this, they will be more receptive to the alternative,” the MP said.