Australia’s National Party has voted to abandon its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 — a landmark decision that reignites internal Coalition tensions and challenges the nation’s long-term climate goals.
The move, confirmed during a federal party room meeting on Sunday, follows a motion passed by grassroots members calling for the party to “abandon its support for a net zero mandate.” The decision could reshape the Coalition’s climate policy, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying he hopes the Liberal Party will “come with us” on this shift in direction.
Littleproud defended the decision on Nine’s Today Show, arguing that Australia could meet its environmental responsibilities without adhering to the costly net zero pathway.
“It’s an expensive way. It’s going to cost $9 trillion. It’s going to put things like Medicare at risk,” he said.
“There are alternative ways to do our bit in a fair and equitable way. We’re not deniers — we believe in climate change — but we need solutions Australians can afford right now.”
The Nationals’ withdrawal from the target represents a major political shift within the Coalition, which has been under pressure from conservative factions arguing that net zero policies are economically unsustainable, particularly for rural and regional communities dependent on mining and agriculture.
Littleproud emphasized that the Nationals still support emissions reduction but want “a practical and affordable” approach focused on innovation, not mandates.
Barnaby Joyce’s Role and Future
Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, a long-time critic of the net zero target, has been invited to attend the meeting but has not confirmed whether he will appear. Joyce recently declared he would not recontest his seat at the 2028 election, saying:
“I’m not going to attend any party room that believes in net zero.”
However, he hinted that he may remain in the party if the Nationals formally abandon the policy, saying, “I’ll see what they come up with.”
Littleproud said Joyce’s contribution would be welcome if he chose to attend, describing him as “very passionate” about the issue.
The Nationals’ stance places new pressure on Opposition Leader Susan Ley, who must now decide whether the Liberal Party will continue supporting the 2050 target or align with its junior Coalition partner’s position.
Analysts say the move could deepen divisions within the Coalition and complicate efforts to present a unified alternative to the Albanese Government’s climate and energy strategy.
The Albanese Government has repeatedly reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to net zero by 2050, aligning with international obligations under the Paris Agreement and seeking to attract renewable energy investment.
