Conservatives push to ditch ‘net zero’ term in Liberal party room debate
Approximately 30 MPs attended the meeting where phones were banned. At the end of the meeting, MPs from opposing sides agreed that they would not criticize each other in the media.
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Morrison has negotiated for the Coalition to support net zero emissions by 2050 in 2021. The Albanian government enacted this goal in 2022, at a time when the Biden administration is supporting the green energy transition.
Some MPs in the room said in this thread that although questions were raised about the ongoing net-zero emissions commitment, consensus was reached on the need to implement the emissions reduction policy and focus on the cost of the energy transition, which the Coalition claimed had been frustrated under the Albanian government.
Five MPs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was clear that the warring factions had the same views on the cost of the energy transition and Labour’s renewable energy-focused policy, creating a sense of optimism that they could come together.
“The message of the meeting is: watch out for Labour,” one MP said.
A major sticking point remains the term “net zero.” Conservatives in the room said aspiration should be abandoned entirely and the terminology should not be used. WA senator Ben Small has most strongly advocated a clear anti-net zero position.
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Others argued for keeping the net zero target because voters might see lowering that figure as a sign that the Coalition is not taking emissions cuts seriously. Some MPs have suggested to the Conservatives that the Coalition could pursue net zero and focus more on coal and gas, as state governments including NSW and Queensland have done.
Right-wing MPs, including Henry Pike, argued that the net zero debate could be won by a courageous Coalition, as in the Voice of Parliament referendum, but this view was challenged by others in the room who said the issues were different.
Tehan said the Liberals do not expect to complete their positions until next year. The National Party is running a separate review of net zero, led by outspoken fossil fuel advocate Senator Matt Canavan.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley did not attend the meeting, instead traveling to the besieged Tomago aluminum smelter; It was revealed earlier this week that the facility was in danger of closing due to rising energy costs.
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