Morrison accused of ‘hiding’ from Cop26

SCOTT MORRISON, Australia’s prime minister, has been accused of “hiding” over the country’s “embarrassing” environmental record after saying he may not attend the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow in November.

It comes after the country signed a security pact with the UK and United States, dubbed Aukus.

In an interview with The West Australian, Mr Morrison said he had “not made any final decisions” on attending.

“It’s another trip overseas … and I’ve spent a lot of time in quarantine,” he said. “I have to focus on things here and with Covid. Australia will be opening up around that time. There will be a lot of issues to manage.”

Anthony Albanese, Australian Labor leader, said that if Mr Morrison failed to attend the conference it is because he is “embarrassed by Australia’s position”.

Adam Bandt, Greens leader, said the prime minister is “in hiding”.

Marise Payne, the foreign minister, reiterated a decision had not been made on attendance. Mr Morrison has said he is committed to outlining how to reach net-zero emissions, preferably within 30 years, using a technology-based approach. Australia remains one of the world’s worst greenhouse gas emitters per capita, primarily owing to its high usage of and production of coal.