A prominent figure within the Liberal Party has criticized the Nationals for their recent decision to abandon a commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This shift comes as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley prepares to reveal a new climate and energy policy in response to significant internal divisions following the Labor Party’s decisive electoral victory in May.
Internal discussions regarding the coalition’s approach to energy policy intensified over the weekend when the Nationals publicly declared their intention to no longer support the 2050 target. Former MP Phillip Ruddock, who holds the distinction of being the second-longest-serving member of the Australian Parliament, expressed his discontent with the Nationals’ unilateral approach. “The idea that you meet separately and say this is our stand, and if you don’t like it you’re on your own, is not a very sound coalition,” Ruddock stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the two parties.
The Nationals now advocate for emissions reductions to be aligned with averages from similarly developed countries within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This decision prompted concern among Liberal members, particularly as a recent poll indicated that support for the party had reached record lows. Speculation has arisen regarding Ley’s leadership position, with some members from the more conservative wing of the party reportedly undermining her authority both publicly and privately.
Ruddock called for unity among coalition members, stating, “I am of the view that you do best when you have a team, and not a team of champions.” Liberal MPs and senators are scheduled to meet to finalize the details of their energy policy, with a tentative date of November 23, 2023 being discussed. This date falls on the Sunday before the final parliamentary session of the year, and party insiders are keen to resolve this issue before parliament recesses.
Moderate Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg warned that Australia could become a “pariah state” if it forsakes its 2050 target. Another frontbencher, Tim Wilson, expressed the need for Ley to assert her leadership and defend the party’s right to independently formulate its policies. Wilson commended Ley for her steadfastness earlier in the year when the coalition faced a brief split over policy disagreements. “She stood her ground because she knows that once she loses moral authority, you can’t get it back,” he remarked during a segment on Sky News.
As the coalition grapples with these significant policy changes, the direction of the Liberal Party and its partnership with the Nationals hangs in a delicate balance. The upcoming discussions are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the coalition’s future stance on climate and energy issues as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
