canberra – A deepening rift over net zero targets within the Liberal party threatens the position of Shadow surroundings Minister Sussan Ley, with potential resignations from her frontbench looming nonetheless of the outcome of ongoing internal debate.
The dispute centers on whether to retain the existing net zero by 2050 commitment, abandon it altogether, or reframe it as a non-binding ”aspiration.” A senior Liberal source revealed to Guardian Australia that shadow ministers advocating for the target’s removal are prepared to reconsider their positions if a firm net zero commitment is maintained. this internal turmoil underscores the Liberal party’s struggle to reconcile differing views on climate policy and maintain party unity ahead of potential future negotiations with the Nationals.
Currently,some MPs believe there is cross-factional support for either dropping net zero or downgrading it to an “aspiration” while upholding commitments to the Paris Agreement – a position largely acceptable to the Nationals. While such a compromise could temporarily preserve the Liberal-National Coalition and Ley’s leadership, it would likely leave climate-conscious MPs and the party leader with a policy perceived as lacking credibility. Experts note that any “backsliding” on Australia’s existing commitments, including net zero by 2050, would constitute a breach of the Paris Agreement, possibly isolating Australia internationally without requiring formal withdrawal.
