‘Catastrophic’: Barnaby Joyce warns net zero will end the Coalition

Key Concepts

• Net Zero: A policy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a level that can be balanced by the Earth's natural carbon sinks.
• Coalition: A political alliance, in this context referring to the Liberal and National parties in Australia.
• Socialism: A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the community as a whole should own and control the means of production, distribution, and exchange.
• Conservatism: A political and social philosophy promoting traditional social institutions in the context of culture and civilization.
• Individualism: A social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.
• Private Property Rights: The rights of individuals and corporations to own, use, and dispose of property.
• Manufacturing Sector: Industries involved in the production of goods from raw materials.
• Intermittent Power: Electricity generation from sources that are not continuously available, such as solar and wind power.
• Shadow Minister: A member of the opposition party who is responsible for scrutinizing a particular government minister and their department.
• CPAC: Conservative Political Action Conference, a political conference in the United States.

Scrapping Net Zero and the Liberal Party's Electoral Prospects

Barnaby Joyce argues that scrapping the "net zero" emissions policy is crucial for the Liberal Party's electoral survival. He believes that taking net zero to the next election would lead to the disintegration of the coalition and the evolution of another party. Joyce criticizes the media, particularly the ABC, for gearing up to defend net zero, describing it as a "holy grail" that journalists dare not question. He asserts that any politician hesitant or "shamefaced" about scrapping net zero will be "cooked" by the media.

Net Zero as a Socialist Totem

Joyce characterizes net zero as a "cult" and a "totem of socialism." He contends that socialists embrace net zero because it represents the "triumph of the state over the individual." According to this perspective, the state would dictate individuals' lifestyles and industries, prioritizing "white collar administrative work within a bureaucracy" over blue-collar businesses and heavy industry. He argues that net zero diminishes respect for heavy industry and erodes private property rights, particularly for farmers, through "caveat after caveat." Joyce posits that when the fundamental principles of conservatism are lost and socialism becomes preeminent, net zero becomes the "holy grail" of this "climate cult." He highlights the binary nature of the climate debate, where one is either a "believer" or a "denier," and criticizes the use of "tribe" language and "Stalinous, Maoist rubbish" that has permeated the Australian Parliament.

Leadership and the Defense of Conservative Principles

When questioned about whether Susan Ley is the right leader to defend against the ABC's "crusade" for net zero, Joyce avoids a direct answer, stating he doesn't want to get "stuck into Susan." He suggests that Susan Ley is a "voice for those around her" and that the issue "goes beyond Susan." Joyce emphasizes the need for those on the conservative side of politics to "clearly say I am a conservative or you're not." He proposes that if a party is not truly conservative, another party should be set up for those who are not happy with the "center left, center right, not quite sure where the center is type party." He uses the analogy of jumping off a cliff, suggesting that parties that don't offer a clear conservative alternative are still leading people towards a cliff, albeit with "beautiful roses" on the path.

Liberal Party Performance and Policy Delineation

Joyce addresses the assertion by Dennis Shanahan that the Liberals are the worst performers in Parliament in 40 years. While not directly confirming it, he states, "I think we can do a lot better. I think we can do much much better." He advocates for a clear delineation on policy, urging the coalition to be "binary." He suggests a contrast: "They believe in COP, they believe in Paris, we believe in pensioners. They believe in higher power prices from intermittent power. We believe in cheaper power prices and looking after industry in Australia." He further contrasts the belief in a "miracle world" without a manufacturing sector for defense with a realist approach of preparing the nation for dire circumstances. Joyce reiterates the importance of defending private ownership, stating that the coalition believes in it and will "reinstall that private ownership," contrasting this with the opposition's perceived intent to "piece by piece dissemble private ownership." He believes that engaging in such debates will lead to people listening and winning elections.

Building a "First Grade Team"

Joyce stresses the importance of having a "first grade team" on the front bench, regardless of personal likeability. He defines a "first grade player" as someone who can "take their opponent on" and "win" in various forums, including media appearances and parliamentary debates. He criticizes the presence of individuals who are "there as a mate, not as a shadow minister." When prompted with names like Andrew Hasty, Jacinta Nampa, Jim Price, Jane Hume, and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Joyce confirms that these are indeed individuals he might be referring to, acknowledging their obvious suitability.

Pauline Hanson's Global Signal

Joyce interprets Pauline Hanson's first overseas speech at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago as a signal that she is "now being taken seriously on a global footing." He notes that she is not "playing footsies with the socialists" and benefits from a "clear message, an unambiguous message" that resonates. He contrasts this with other individuals who have attended CPAC-like conferences and left audiences in "stunned silence" due to the "idiocy of a message that is not a conservative message," describing it as "vacuous rubbish."