Australia’s Liberal Party Drops Net-Zero by 2050 Target, Pledges Energy Affordability Focus
Following a five-hour meeting, the Opposition abandons its legislated emissions goal and shifts policy toward lower energy costs and diversified supply
Australia’s conservative Liberal Party has formally abandoned its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 and pledged instead to prioritise reducing energy costs if elected.
The announcement ends prolonged internal conflict between moderate and right-wing factions within the party and aligns its policy with that of its Coalition partner, the National Party.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told reporters the decision followed a five-hour meeting of the party room in which a majority voted to drop the target.
She reaffirmed support for the Paris Agreement, stating “we will not withdraw from the Paris Agreement”, but confirmed the party would no longer pursue net-zero as a policy objective.
Under the new direction, the party proposes to prevent early closures of coal-fired power plants, lift Australia’s ban on nuclear energy, and increase investment in new gas supply and infrastructure.
While emissions reductions would still occur “in line with comparable countries” and “as fast as technology allows”, the formal target of net-zero by 2050 will be removed from policy.
The shift follows the National Party’s earlier decision to abandon the 2050 goal, placing further pressure on the Liberal Party to reconcile coalition unity with climate policy.
The decision is seen as a response to mounting concerns over domestic energy prices, economic impacts of transition and regional voter sentiment.
Moderates within the party expressed concern that abandoning net‐zero may damage credibility, particularly in metropolitan electorates.
Some warned that the party risks being viewed as dismissive of climate commitments under the Paris framework, which prohibits back‐sliding on emissions targets.
The government, led by Anthony Albanese, criticised the shift as undermining Australia’s international standing and harming regional diplomatic relationships, especially in the Pacific where climate risks are acute.
The Liberal Party’s energy policy review will now accelerate, with a working group of three Liberal and three National MPs tasked with finalising a coalition position ahead of the next parliamentary sitting week.
The move marks a major redirection of climate and energy policy for Australia’s largest conservative party.
The announcement ends prolonged internal conflict between moderate and right-wing factions within the party and aligns its policy with that of its Coalition partner, the National Party.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told reporters the decision followed a five-hour meeting of the party room in which a majority voted to drop the target.
She reaffirmed support for the Paris Agreement, stating “we will not withdraw from the Paris Agreement”, but confirmed the party would no longer pursue net-zero as a policy objective.
Under the new direction, the party proposes to prevent early closures of coal-fired power plants, lift Australia’s ban on nuclear energy, and increase investment in new gas supply and infrastructure.
While emissions reductions would still occur “in line with comparable countries” and “as fast as technology allows”, the formal target of net-zero by 2050 will be removed from policy.
The shift follows the National Party’s earlier decision to abandon the 2050 goal, placing further pressure on the Liberal Party to reconcile coalition unity with climate policy.
The decision is seen as a response to mounting concerns over domestic energy prices, economic impacts of transition and regional voter sentiment.
Moderates within the party expressed concern that abandoning net‐zero may damage credibility, particularly in metropolitan electorates.
Some warned that the party risks being viewed as dismissive of climate commitments under the Paris framework, which prohibits back‐sliding on emissions targets.
The government, led by Anthony Albanese, criticised the shift as undermining Australia’s international standing and harming regional diplomatic relationships, especially in the Pacific where climate risks are acute.
The Liberal Party’s energy policy review will now accelerate, with a working group of three Liberal and three National MPs tasked with finalising a coalition position ahead of the next parliamentary sitting week.
The move marks a major redirection of climate and energy policy for Australia’s largest conservative party.
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