A bold shift is underway within the Liberal Party, with a growing faction advocating for a departure from the party's net zero emissions goal by 2050. This move, despite resistance from moderates, is gaining momentum.
The controversy began when David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals, announced their intention to abandon the net zero commitment, agreed upon in 2021 with then-Liberal leader Scott Morrison. This announcement has sparked a debate within the Liberal Party, with moderates like Senator Anne Ruston advocating for retaining the commitment, while right-wing members like Angus Taylor and Senator Michaelia Cash favor dropping the target.
But here's where it gets controversial: multiple moderate sources have expressed that abandoning net zero would be a deal-breaker, and they're not happy with the Nationals trying to influence Liberal policy, as seen during the Voice referendum.
This issue has become a defining moment for Sussan Ley's leadership, testing her ability to keep the Coalition united after their recent electoral defeat.
Moderate Liberal Andrew Bragg, in a sign of compromise, suggested that while net zero is necessary, the timeline could be extended beyond 2050. He emphasized Australia's treaty obligations and the need for each country to determine its own path to net zero, citing the Paris Agreement's goal for the second half of this century.
Despite the anger towards the Nationals, senior MPs are working towards coalition unity. They're developing a plan to keep both the Coalition and the Liberal party room together, aiming to reach a decision before the final sitting week of the year.
The leadership group is crafting a timeline for this process, which will likely involve presenting a proposal to the party room. While a full energy plan won't be developed immediately, a broader Coalition working group will aim to agree on an energy platform.
Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan remains optimistic, believing that a unified position can be reached, ensuring the Coalition's continued collaboration for the nation's best interests.
So, the question remains: Can the Liberals find a middle ground on net zero, or will this issue tear the Coalition apart? What are your thoughts on this controversial policy shift? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments!
