Jane Hume slams ‘crazy and binary’ opposition as Sussan Ley calls crunch meeting

Hume admitted the Nationals, who leapt ahead of the Liberals by ditching net zero entirely last weekend, were more organized than expected and fueled a week of turmoil, leaving the Liberals “a bit flat-footed”.

The main sticking point is the use of the term “net zero”. There is little disagreement in the coalition about how unrealistic Labor’s ambitions are to meet its commitment, or about the use of nuclear energy.

“Net zero itself has become this kind of totemic statement, this kind of binary issue — are you for net zero or are you against net zero? — which I think is crazy,” Hume said.

“Everyone wants to reduce emissions. Net zero has somehow become a euphemism for whether you believe in man-made climate change or not.”

The Victorian senator, who left Ley’s front bench after the election, appeared to support the compromise position put forward by his moderate ally Andrew Bragg. He argued that the Coalition could maintain its target for a net-zero future, even if it is post-2050, by staying in the Paris Agreement, which even the National Party wants.

“We have already signed the Paris Agreement,” Hume said. “And even the National Party has said they want to continue our Paris commitments. Paris commitments mean that each country chooses its own adventure to reduce emissions.”

That option and others were considered when Nationals leader David Littleproud briefed the Liberals at a meeting of the Liberal Party’s energy working group on Wednesday.

Tehan leads this group, whose long negotiations have tested the patience of MPs from different groups. Ley’s office, deputy leader Ted O’Brien and finance spokesman James Paterson have weighed in on policy development over the past few days.

He told this article: “There is a great understanding in the discussions. We are trying to push the needle and I think there is enough good will between the parties for us to reach a compromise.”

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“Everyone believes that cheaper energy should be the No. 1 priority, that energy abundance is essential, and that we need to take emissions reduction seriously. To me, that’s a very good place to start.”

According to a memo Ley sent to MPs, next Wednesday’s meeting will focus on “a set of consent principles and … a set of ‘open questions’ for discussion and resolution”, as well as a research presentation from federal director Andrew Hirst.

“All parliamentarians will be given the right to speak,” the statement said.

The three Liberals and three Nationals will meet after meetings next week in a bid to harmonize the parties’ policies and prevent a split.

The energy saga has cast doubt on Ley’s leadership and served as a proxy war over his position and the direction of the frayed Coalition.

Hume said Ley had the right leadership style to lead a tough debate, but added, “I don’t know her very well,” despite years of serving on the front bench with her.

“Sussan is a very calm person,” said Hume. “He has the right temperament.”

“It’s not an easy thing to navigate. Energy policy has brought down leaders before… but I think he stuck to his guns and that’s why I admire him.”