Coalition ponders net zero plan
CANBERRA: Scott Morrison is inching closer to committing to a 2050 net zero carbon emissions target despite ongoing tensions within the Coalition.
The prime minister is expected to take the goal to a major global climate change conference in Glasgow which starts in less than two weeks.
But the Nationals are yet to back the technology road map.
The prime minister declared regions could be the biggest beneficiaries of moving to a clean energy economy. But he also acknowledged there would be negative consequences for rural and regional areas.
Deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud believes most of his colleagues are working towards a net zero solution provided protections for regional Australia are guaranteed.
He believes the lead-up to COP26 is the chance for the climate wars which have plagued Australian politics to be buried.
‘‘Zealots from both sides really just need to bugger off,’’ he told the ABC.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese said unless the 2050 climate target was legislated it could not be taken seriously.
‘‘We have a government and a nation being hostage to a few people in the National Party,’’ he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce denied holding the government to ransom and downplayed reports the junior coalition partner was seeking $20 billion in regional compensation.