About 30 MPs attended the meeting, where phones were forbidden. At the end of the meeting, MPs on opposing sides of the argument agreed they would not criticise one another in the media.
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Morrison negotiated for the Coalition to support net zero emissions by 2050 in 2021. The Albanese government legislated that target in 2022 at a time when the Biden administration was championing a green energy transition.
Some MPs in the room told this masthead that while questions were raised over an ongoing commitment to net zero, there was a consensus on the need to deliver emissions reduction policy and the need to focus on the cost of the energy transition, which the Coalition claims is blowing out under the Albanese government.
Five MPs, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was clear the warring factions held many of the same views on the cost of the energy transition and Labor’s renewables-focused policy, creating a sense of optimism that they could come together.
“The message from the meeting is: watch out Labor,” one MP said.
A key sticking point remains the term “net zero”. Conservatives in the room said that the aspiration should be dumped entirely and the terminology not used. WA senator Ben Small argued most strongly for a definitive anti-net zero position.
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Others argued for the net zero target to remain because voters could view its dumping as a signal that the Coalition did not take emissions reduction seriously. Some MPs made the point to conservatives that the Coalition could retain net zero and still put more focus on coal and gas, as state governments, including NSW and Queensland, are doing.
Right-faction MPs, including Henry Pike, argued the net zero debate could be won by a bold Coalition in the same way as the Voice to parliament referendum, but that view was countered by others in the room who said the topics were different.
Tehan said the Liberals do not expect to finalise their position until next year. The Nationals are conducting a separate review of net zero, led by outspoken fossil fuel advocate Senator Matt Canavan.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley did not attend the meeting, instead travelling to the beleaguered Tomago aluminium smelter, which it was revealed earlier this week risked imminent closure due to rising energy costs.
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