Coalition's Climate Change Stance Under Scrutiny as Barnaby Joyce Pushes to Dump Emissions Target

Coalition leaders are weighing their options on climate change policy as Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce introduces a bill to repeal Australia's plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The move is met with resistance from Liberal Party moderates, who want to retain the target to demonstrate the party's commitment to climate action. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley delays a formal decision on the policy until after a review of the party's election result.

Key Takeaways:

Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has introduced a private member's bill to repeal Australia's plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The bill, which won't be voted on in the house, has the backing of his former leadership rival, Michael McCormack.
Nationals leader David Littleproud's leadership was contested after the election due to divisions on net-zero emissions.
Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan stated the Coalition will work to produce a policy demonstrating how it will play a role in emissions reduction.
Liberal MP Garth Hamilton has backed Nationals MPs trying to jettison the climate target.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson plans to launch her own bid to scrap net-zero in the upper house.

Statistics:

2050: The target year for Australia to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
May 2025: The date of the Coalition's disastrous election result, which has prompted a review of the party's policy stance.
2025: The year Mr. Joyce has stated the Coalition's net-zero target should be reviewed, with the option to adjust or abandon it.
7: The number of days the Coalition was split over the net-zero emissions policy in May 2025.

Sources:

"Coalition on track to ditch emissions target.," Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Barnaby Joyce backs plan to scrap net-zero emissions target,," The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Ley delays decision on climate target,," The Australian.