Polite discussion at noon: Libs to decide energy policy
Liberal MPs and senators will gather in the nation’s capital for important talks as they inch closer to a formal policy on climate change and energy.
The party is expected to soften its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, but will still remain committed to cutting carbon pollution if it returns to government.
A party room meeting has been called for Wednesday lunchtime in Canberra, where members will discuss their approach to the issue.
Energy and climate policy has increasingly become a proxy battle for Sussan Ley’s leadership, which some MPs say is under threat from rivals in the party’s conservative wing.
On Tuesday, shadow attorney general Andrew Wallace said he supported Ms Ley remaining in the post but praised Angus Taylor, who is widely seen as a possible challenger.
“He was an outstanding player (in the defense portfolio) and I think he really sets an example as a potential leader,” he told ABC TV.
Liberals have stressed that Wednesday’s meeting will not include a vote and will only be a policy-related discussion.
A meeting will be held in the Liberal shadow ministry on Thursday for the leadership team to finalize the energy plan.
The party will then need to negotiate with its coalition partner, the Nationals, which has pledged to eliminate net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and instead tie Australia’s carbon emissions to the average of OECD countries.
The Liberals and Nationals will try to reach a final agreement before a joint party room meeting on Sunday, where the policy will, in theory, be formally approved.
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