Barnaby Joyce not swayed by Nationals’ call to ditch net-zero emissions commitment
A Nationals decision to ditch its net-zero emissions commitment hasn’t convinced Barnaby Joyce to stick with the party as the renegade MP declares he has more questions to ask.
Members of the junior coalition partner’s Federal Council voted over the weekend to cut the 2050 target from the party’s official platform, pleasing anti-renewables campaigners but setting up a potential clash with Liberal colleagues.
Mr Joyce, who has flagged his intention to quit the Nationals amid frustration over the net-zero objective, said he had more to go through with fellow MPs before making a decision on his future.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The former deputy prime minister wouldn’t confirm if the policy shift would affect his decision to stay with the regional party or potentially defect to One Nation.
“This is my decision to make and I will make it,” he told Seven’s Sunrise program on Monday.
“I have a lot more to ask and I will do my job and ask.”
The position on net-zero has put the Nationals out of step with the Business Council of Australia and Nationals Farmers’ Federation, but party leader David Litteproud said he wouldn’t be taking “gratuitous advice” from others.
The party has argued Australia is doing its fair share to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the nation’s goals should be brought into line with an average among comparable nations.
“Big business can sign up to this because who pays? It’s you ... when you go to the checkout,” Mr Littleproud told ABC radio.
Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan, who is leading the Liberal Party’s review of the policy, is under pressure to set out a position after the Nationals’ decision.
Many Liberal MPs have advocated for the party to stick with its existing support for the 2050 target, setting up a potential policy rift within the coalition.
Mr Tehan said balancing affordable energy and reducing emissions was the priority and that in a perfect world the policy would be finalised by Christmas.
“We’ve been doing it not only as a Liberal party but also jointly with the National party, very constructively,” he said.
Liberal frontbencher Melissa McIntosh said she saw no reason for the coalition to split after the Nationals voted to abolish the target.
