URGENT UPDATE: The National Party is poised to announce a dramatic shift in its climate policy during a crucial meeting on October 15, 2023. Sources indicate that Nationals leader David Littleproud is expected to declare the party’s withdrawal of support for Australia’s net zero emissions target set for 2050.
This anticipated move could ignite tensions within the Coalition, particularly among moderates in the Liberal Party who still support the climate pledge. As the National Party grapples with internal disagreements, the implications for Australia’s environmental strategy are significant. The Coalition committed to net zero emissions in 2021, following a contentious agreement between then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Barnaby Joyce.
While the National Party’s stance appears to be shifting, opposition environment spokeswoman Angie Bell sought to downplay the potential fallout. “They have their process, and we are going through our process,” Ms. Bell told Sky News. “We’ll come to our position in due course.”
In response to questions about whether the Liberals might follow the Nationals’ lead and abandon the net zero target, Bell stated, “I’m not ruling anything out at this point in time.” She emphasized the need for the party to unify on energy policy, aligning with Sussan Ley‘s vision for a comprehensive post-election policy review.
The expected announcement comes amid growing concerns about another potential split within the Coalition, as many in the National Party express skepticism about the net zero goal. The outcome of today’s meeting will be closely monitored, as it marks a pivotal moment for the Coalition’s future direction on energy and climate policy.
As developments unfold, the urgency of this meeting cannot be overstated. The decisions made today will resonate beyond party lines, impacting Australia’s environmental commitments and the broader climate agenda. Stay tuned for further updates on this rapidly evolving situation.
