Coalition outlines climate plan after ditching net zero
Gas supply will be key to the coalition’s energy policy after the federal opposition backed away from a net-zero emissions target.
Speaking after senior Liberals and Nationals met to approve the plans, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition aimed to cut carbon emissions but did not compromise on family or business budgets.
“Our plan secures Australia’s energy future by putting affordability first,” he told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
“The plan I’m releasing today is all about affordable energy and responsible emissions reduction.”
The coalition opposes temporary emissions reduction targets, as well as various Labor policies to reduce emissions.
These include a conservation mechanism to limit emissions of major pollutants and a plan designed to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
The coalition will create a gas reserve on the east coast, impose restrictions on renewable projects in regional areas and lift the ban on nuclear energy.
National leader David Littleproud said the coalition had settled on a “cheaper, better, fairer way” to reduce emissions and curb climate change.
“This debate is not a debate based on science, it is a debate based on economics.”
Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan said he was looking forward to selling the affordable plans because “there is now a very, very clear contrast when it comes to this debate”.
The opening of new gas fields forms part of the coalition’s policy.
Taxpayer funds will be used to finance energy production, including coal- and gas-fired stations.
“Consumers can be absolutely confident that once we take charge of energy policy in this country, we will start changing the rules as soon as possible,” Ms Ley said.
This meant changing the rules for gas supply and the operating rules of the energy system.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, a veteran of Canberra’s so-called climate wars, has previously said the coalition’s decision to abandon net zero would do little to change public opinion.
Senator Wong said watered-down climate targets would increase energy prices for Australians and show disrespect for Pacific nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed his comments, saying the coalition’s “uncertainty” on energy and climate policy would put increasing pressure on energy prices.
“If anyone thinks there is any certainty that the coalition will move forward, then they are not paying any attention to the rabble and clown show that the coalition has become when it comes to energy policy and climate policy,” he told reporters in Melbourne.
Climate policy has been a contentious issue within the coalition for decades.
In the last two federal elections, the Liberal Party lost inner-city seats to independent candidates focused on climate action.
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