The Nationals continue their civil war over net zero | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Net Zero Climate Target: A commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a level that is balanced by removals from the atmosphere.
• Coalition: In the Australian political context, this refers to the alliance between the Liberal Party and the National Party.
• Environmental Law Reform: Proposed changes to legislation governing environmental protection.
• EPBC Act (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999): Australia's key federal environmental legislation.
• Lawfare: The use of legal processes for political or strategic advantage, often to delay or obstruct projects.
• Federal Council: The peak governing body of the National Party.
• Regional Australia: Areas outside of major metropolitan centers, often characterized by agriculture, mining, and smaller industries.
• CFMMEU: Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, a prominent trade union.

Barnaby Joyce's Stance on Net Zero and Political Isolation

Barnaby Joyce, a former titan of conservative politics, is portrayed as increasingly isolated within his party due to his strong opposition to the "net zero" climate target. He is actively campaigning against it, describing it as "absurd" and claiming it has "no difference to the climate whatsoever." This stance places him in direct conflict with his nominal party leader and the broader coalition's position. Joyce's personal crusade is occurring as his party debates its climate policy, with him not participating in party room meetings as he is not recontesting his seat. He emphasizes the need for a "credible alternative" to simply saying "no" to net zero, a position he believes the Australian people expect from a party of government. He acknowledges that developing such an alternative takes time but prioritizes doing it "right." When asked if One Nation is a "party in protest," he affirms this.

Coalition's Internal Conflict and Business Concerns

The transcript highlights an ongoing "civil war on climate" within the coalition, which, while generating headlines, is causing significant worry for big business. Business leaders are urging the coalition to "stay the course" on the transition to net zero, emphasizing the need for "certainty." They require clear settings, defined supports, and an understanding of where government will intervene to gain the confidence needed for investment. The visible dysfunction within the coalition is seen as particularly problematic given the high stakes involved, especially concerning environmental law reform, which the government has made a legislative priority.

Government's Environmental Law Reform and Senate Negotiations

The government's proposed environmental law reforms, including the establishment of an independent protection agency, are presented as a "classic political tradeoff between development and the environment." Environment Minister Murray Watt is actively seeking a deal with the coalition in the Senate to pass this legislation. Failure to reach an agreement with the coalition would necessitate relying on the Greens, a prospect that concerns the mining industry. Business and conservation groups are being consulted on draft legislation, which includes measures like a "big stick" national interest provision to fast-track renewable and housing projects, and plans to curb "lawfare" challenges. While these measures make green groups nervous, the government maintains they will only be used in "rare cases," arguing against a binary choice between the environment and development.

Parliamentary Agenda and Opposition Tactics

Beyond environmental reforms, the government's parliamentary agenda appears thin. The Prime Minister's absence at the East Asian Summit and APEC leaves the opposition with limited avenues for attack. However, the opposition has targeted the government regarding reports of a lack of investigative capacity concerning the administrator of the CFMEU, questioning the government's courage to address corruption within unions that allegedly fund the Labor Party. The government asserts its commitment to a corruption-free construction industry.

National Party's Net Zero Debate and Bridget McKenzie's Perspective

Senator Bridget McKenzie discusses the National Party's internal deliberations on their net zero policy. She confirms that a review, led by Senator Matt Canavan, will recommend dropping net zero. However, she explains that the party is not rushing to a decision and is undergoing a formal process, with the federal council set to debate the topic. McKenzie argues that net zero comes with significant costs, which are disproportionately borne by regional Australia and its industries. She cites job losses in heavy industries and the reliance on government subsidies to maintain the industrial base as evidence of these impacts.

McKenzie emphasizes the National Party's commitment to fighting for their communities, who she states are on the "front line" of environmental and climate changes. She asserts that their livelihoods and lives depend on considering environmental sustainability more than most Australians. She reiterates that the party is focused on ensuring an emissions reduction scheme works for "everybody in our country, not just some." When pressed on whether there is a unified position on net zero, she states that a decision has not yet been made and that the federal council will debate the issue.

McKenzie expresses that it is not the National Party's role to ensure the Liberal Party wins seats in capital cities, but rather to stand up for their own communities. She hopes that the issue of net zero will not cause a "rupture" in the coalition but acknowledges the need to stand up for their people and communities. She dismisses the idea that the party's potential decision against net zero would be seen as bowing to Barnaby Joyce, stating that many National Party MPs have raised concerns about the impact of Labor's emissions reduction targets on regional communities.

Regarding Barnaby Joyce's prolonged absence from the party room, McKenzie frames it as a period of consideration for his future, drawing parallels to other colleagues who have taken breaks from party meetings. She emphasizes that he has not resigned from the party and that his contributions have been significant.

Regional Aviation Concerns

McKenzie also raises concerns about regional aviation, specifically regarding the new owners of Rex Airlines. She seeks guarantees from the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development that all regional routes will be maintained, especially given the government's $160 million investment. She stresses the importance of regional connectivity and competition provided by Rex for regional communities.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The transcript reveals a deep division within the Australian coalition, particularly concerning the net zero climate target. Barnaby Joyce's vocal opposition positions him as an outlier, while the National Party is undergoing a formal process to potentially abandon the target, citing economic and social impacts on regional Australia. This internal conflict creates uncertainty for big business, which is urging for policy stability. The government is pushing forward with environmental law reforms, seeking coalition support to avoid relying on the Greens, a move that highlights the complex balancing act between development and environmental protection. The National Party's stance suggests a prioritization of their regional constituents, even at the risk of further coalition strain. The debate over net zero is intertwined with broader concerns about regional development, economic impacts, and the future of key industries.