Nationals Support ‘Flexible’ Net Zero Pledge

Article by: Hari Yellina

Barnaby Joyce, the Deputy Prime Minister, has backed a coalition election candidate who called his government’s net zero emissions goal “not binding.” Colin Boyce, the LNP Queensland candidate for Flynn, dubbed the commitment “Morrison’s paper” and a “flexible strategy.” “It gives us some wiggle room as we move forward. Morrison’s comment is not legally enforceable. It will not be accompanied by any legislation, according to Mr. Boyce. Following heated discussions ahead of the UN climate change conference COP26 in late 2021, the Liberals and Nationals agreed to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, although the objective will not be codified.

The vow, however, has been described as “binding” by moderate Liberal MP Dave Sharma, who is facing a battle from “teal” independent Allegra Spender. Mr Joyce informed AAP that Australia needs to keep exporting coal and that he supports his candidate after he criticised the government’s net zero emissions goal. “We’ve said we’ve set a target, and we’re going to attempt to accomplish it,” he continued, “but I believe Colin’s point of view is totally acceptable.” Coal continues to be one of our country’s most important exports. If you begin to eliminate one of the primary exports, you are jeopardising our key economic strength.

Mr Sharma was quoted as saying that he revised the party’s climate stance in an interview with Sydney outlet the Wentworth Courier two weeks ago. Mr Sharma was cited as saying, “I’ve delivered a binding pledge to net zero emissions by 2050, an updated 2030 emissions reduction target, and an assurance that the offshore oil and gas project pep-11 will not proceed.” Meanwhile, Chris Bowen, the Labor Party’s climate change and energy spokeswoman, questioned whether the coalition “says one thing in Collinsville and another in Kooyong.” “The LNP candidate for Flynn believes the Morrison government’s objective of net zero emissions by 2050 is “flexible,” “not binding,” and has “wiggle space.” Josh Frydenberg, do you agree?” Following the comments, he sent a tweet to the treasurer.

After a blunder by deputy leader Richard Marles, shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers was obliged to clarify Labor’s position on coal. When asked how coal fit into the party’s emissions reduction objectives on Saturday, Mr Marles appeared perplexed. He also dodged the question of whether coal mines would be required to purchase carbon credits after a certain quantity of emissions. Mr Chalmers stated on Monday that Labor’s climate strategy “doesn’t mean sacrificing our historic strengths in areas like mining,” a statement he used to respond to a question addressed at his deputy leader on Saturday.  Mr Marles was baffled by his party’s position on coal, according to Mr Chalmers, who defended the intervention.

“What normally occurs in these news conferences is whoever is at the microphone throws to whoever is best placed to address the question,” he told the Nine Network. “If Chris Bowen isn’t present, I normally put my hand up to address the climate change issues because it’s a policy passion and interest of mine, and that’s what occurred.” “I gave a complete and thorough response. “I’m not sure what all the hubbub is about.” Mr Bowen acknowledged that coal mines were included in the party’s objective to have 215 polluters decrease their emissions to net zero by 2050.