Greens and independents line up to condemn Liberals’ net zero decision – as it happened

The Liberal Party has decided to abandon its legislated net zero by 2050 target. Leader Sussan Ley stated the party will focus on achieving emissions reductions through technology, choice, and voluntary markets, while still committing to the Paris Agreement. This decision has drawn widespread condemnation from the Greens and independent members of parliament. Independent MP Monique Ryan described the move as "calamitous" for the Liberal Party, suggesting it has removed the only effective opposition to the Labor Party and consigned itself to "electoral oblivion." Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young accused the Liberals of being controlled by "climate deniers" and "a bunch of nutters" driving Australia's economy and environment towards disaster. She argued the new policy is worse than previous Liberal stances and makes them untrustworthy on climate and environmental policy. Conversely, Barnaby Joyce of the National Party praised the decision as a "great day for Australia" and a "great movement," suggesting the Liberals were to be congratulated. Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan defended the party's position, emphasizing their commitment to emissions reduction and the need to consider all technologies, including nuclear energy, to ensure energy abundance. He denied that the Liberal Party was becoming "Nationals-lite," asserting it remained the Liberal Party after a thorough policy process. A politics expert, Zareh Ghazarian, suggested Ley's decision was an attempt to maintain cohesion within a divided Liberal Party, but noted it could either define or undermin... download the app to read more