Liberal-National split looms as net-zero fight intensifies, putting pressure on Sussan Ley’s leadership
A political divorce between the Liberal and National parties might be needed to save the Coalition from “damaging” infighting over divisive climate policy, an analyst says.
Moderate Liberal MPs are discussing splitting from the Nationals after the rural party voted to dump their commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 at a meeting on Sunday.
It places additional pressure on Sussan Ley’s leadership as her inner circle mulls ditching the climate target.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Opposition Leader said the Nationals were entitled to take their own position on net zero.
While some within the Liberals are open to a relationship break, others hold a view the longer the two parties are separated the harder it will be to get back together, with the risk of greater divergence in other policy areas.
Monash University head of politics Zareh Ghazarian said a split would not be a bad idea as it would give the parties some time apart.
“They would be able to get their houses in order and they’d be able to consider whether they wanted to come back as a Coalition before the next election,” he told AAP.
“It would be more damaging, politically, for the coalition to constantly be in conflict with each other.
“Resolving this question of climate change is unavoidable for the parties and if that means that they have to have a bit of a break, as they indicated, after the May election from each other, then this might be the opportunity to do so.”
Dr Ghazarian pointed to the issues climate change policy presented for previous prime ministers including Malcolm Turnbull.
Opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan has said the party is likely to finalise its position by the end of 2025.
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg called for the climate target to be retained in some form, stressing that Australia must maintain its international obligations.
“The Paris Accord requires you to get to net zero in the second half of this century,” Senator Bragg told Sky News.
“I don’t think it’s beyond the realm of possibility that Australia could achieve that.”
