Full Breakdown
Liberal Party Abandons Net Zero Commitment Amid Internal Strife
11/13/2025, 8:25:47 PM
Shift in Climate Policy
On November 13, 2025, Australia's conservative Liberal Party officially abandoned its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This decision followed a contentious five-hour meeting among party members, where a majority expressed support for scrapping the climate target. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley announced that the party would also repeal the Labor government's legally binding target to reduce emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 if elected. Ley emphasized that the Liberal Party would prioritize affordable energy over climate targets, stating, "Our emissions reduction goals will never come at the expense of Australian families."
Background and Context
The Liberal Party's shift marks a significant departure from the net zero target established under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2021. The decision aligns the party more closely with its coalition partner, the National Party, which had previously abandoned its own net zero commitment. Ley's announcement comes in the wake of the Liberal Party's defeat in the May 2025 elections, prompting a reevaluation of its climate policies amid internal divisions between moderate and conservative factions.
Key Figures and Responses
Sussan Ley, as the Opposition Leader, has been at the forefront of this policy change. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan supported the move, advocating for a "technology agnostic" approach that includes coal, gas, and nuclear energy. Conversely, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull criticized the decision, claiming it demonstrated the party's lack of seriousness regarding climate change. He described the shift as a "Trumpian campaign against renewables."
Moderate Liberals, including Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic, expressed concern that abandoning net zero would alienate urban voters and diminish the party's chances in key electorates. Andrew McLachlan, another moderate, warned that the decision could lead to electoral challenges, stating, "It’s not a compromise that makes me happy."
Official Statements and Responses
Ley defended the party's new stance, asserting that it remains committed to the Paris Agreement but would not set long-term targets. She stated, "Net zero would be welcome if we can get there with technology, with choice and voluntary markets." However, critics, including Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie, argued that the decision would lead to increased power prices and undermine efforts to combat climate change.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the Liberal Party's decision, stating, "They’re walking away from climate action because they fundamentally do not believe in the science of climate change." He emphasized that the Labor government would continue to pursue ambitious climate targets.
Criticism and Opposition
Environmental groups and some political figures have labeled the Liberal Party's decision as a "disaster" for Australia's climate policy. The Climate Council warned that abandoning net zero could result in more extreme weather events and higher insurance costs for Australians. Independent MP Zali Steggall described the decision as "reckless" and a "massive step backward," asserting that it would make the Coalition unelectable.
What's Next
The Liberal Party plans to negotiate a joint policy position with the National Party, with discussions scheduled for November 16. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the Coalition's future stance on climate policy as they prepare for the next federal election.
Conclusion
The Liberal Party's abandonment of its net zero commitment reflects deep internal divisions and a strategic pivot towards prioritizing energy affordability over climate action. As the party navigates its new policy landscape, the implications for Australia's climate goals and the upcoming elections remain uncertain.
