Business adn Energy Leaders criticize Coalition’s Climate Policy Shift,Demand Clarity
CANBERRA – Leading figures from Australian business and energy sectors have voiced concerns over the Coalition’s plan to abandon net zero emissions targets,warning the move won’t deliver promised power bill relief and demanding greater detail on the alternative strategy.The criticism comes as the Liberal party faces scrutiny over the potential contradiction between its stated support for the 2015 Paris Agreement and its commitment to dismantle existing climate targets.
The lack of a clear plan is causing uncertainty for investors and industry, with leaders questioning how the Coalition intends to meet Australia’s international obligations and maintain a sustainable energy future. The debate centers on the feasibility of relying on new coal-fired power stations, a prospect industry figures deem economically unviable and out of step with global investment trends.
Australian Council of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) chief executive Andrew McKellar characterized the Coalition’s approach as “a bit of a plan not to have a plan,” emphasizing the need for more comprehensive details. He pointed to the potential breach of Australia’s commitments under the Paris agreement if climate targets are scrapped, despite the Coalition’s insistence on supporting the pact.
Innes Willox, chief executive of the Australian Industry group, expressed concern over signals suggesting a potential return to increased coal usage. “if you were to go down that path…there’s been no investor appetite for new coal-fired powered stations now for a very long time,” he told the ABC’s RN Breakfast program, citing the economics of the situation and the broader trajectory of the energy sector. He noted that industry had “by and large signed up to” net zero by 2050.
Tania Constable, chief executive of the Minerals Council of Australia, acknowledged the industry’s “ambition” to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, but stressed the need to consider “all technologies should be on the table,” recognizing the “huge challenge” involved.
