Nationals Drop Net Zero From Federal Platform as MPs Consider Following Suit

The Nationals have formally removed support for net zero emissions from their federal platform, a move cemented at the party’s Federal Council meeting in Canberra on Saturday. The decision was widely seen as a formality, with every state branch of the party having already passed similar motions.

Although the federal platform does not bind the Nationals’ federal party room, members appear close to adopting the same position, with speculation that a shift could be confirmed as early as this week. Nationals leader David Littleproud said a special party room meeting would be held tomorrow to consider the party’s climate and energy policy.

“We’ve been on a long considered process around understanding the implications of energy and climate policy in this country,” Littleproud said. “And whether there are better ways, fairer ways, cheaper ways for Australians to be able to contribute globally, but to make sure that Australia remains strong.”

The motion calls on the parliamentary party to “abandon” support for achieving net zero emissions, while maintaining backing for “emissions reductions” balanced with the protection of key industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. It also advocates for a “balanced energy mix” that includes coal, gas, and renewables, as well as lifting the federal moratorium on nuclear energy.

Littleproud said the party room meeting would be guided by a Page Research Centre report commissioned by the Nationals. “We will look at the mechanics about making sure that we are actually not streaking ahead of what the rest of the world is doing and we’re not a laggard, we’re doing our fair share,” he said. “There’s been no predetermined position taken by the National Party, that will be determined by the party room tomorrow.”