Hamilton on board with net zero plan

GROOM MP Garth Hamilton says he is now fully committed to the Coalition’s net zero targets, just months after breaking ranks with the Prime Minister over the issue.

Mr Hamilton, who expressed doubt over setting the target back in September last year, declared his support for Scott Morrison’s pre-election pitch that Australia would join with other nations achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

It comes a day after Senator Matt Canavan (pictured) declared the commitment was “dead”, something Mr Hamilton dismissed.

“Matt is Matt, he speaks his mind, but the government’s position is clear,” he said.

“I sought assurances from the government when this was raised, I got those assurances and I made that conversation clear and I’m quite happy to have had it.

“I’m supportive of the government’s position, I understand that’s our target and I’m very happy we’re moving ahead.”

Mr Hamilton also denied the region was not tapping enough into renewable projects, saying Groom was “energy agnostic”.

Mr Hamilton’s ALP opponent Gen Allpass said the incumbent MP’s previous comments proved he couldn’t be trusted on the issue.

“We should also remember that it was Garth Hamilton who joined his Queensland National colleagues in voicing opposition to the Morrison government’s proposed netzero emissions target,” she said.

“The Morrison government is both divided and divisive when it comes to energy.”

Independent Suzie Holt said Toowoomba residents and business owners supported a more aggressive plan for climate change action.

Greens candidate Mickey Berry was contacted for comment.