Australian Coalition Proposes Ditching Net Zero Laws for Fossil Fuel Expansion
Opposition party unveils an eight-point plan to repeal climate change legislation, remove offshore wind zones, and potentially allow coal, gas, and nuclear power.
An Australian opposition party has put forth a plan that would dismantle current climate and energy policies, prioritizing the expansion of fossil fuel use. The eight-point proposal, released on Wednesday, includes the removal of four offshore wind zones and the repeal of the Climate Change Act, which would eliminate net zero targets.
The Coalition's plan also aims to lift prohibitions on nuclear energy and cancel existing carbon emissions policies for vehicles. It advocates for encouraging investment in all forms of energy, including coal, gas, and nuclear, rather than focusing solely on renewables.
Opposition energy spokesperson Dan Tehan stated that the proposed changes would be implemented within 30 days of the Coalition being elected. He criticized the current energy policy, asserting it has been driven by ideology and political targets rather than by the need to maintain affordable and reliable power for Australians and keep businesses competitive.
'Australia should have an energy system built around three non-negotiable principles: affordability, reliability and security,' Tehan said. The Coalition's platform stands in contrast to the current Labor government's goal of powering over 80 percent of the national grid with renewables within the next four years, a target that necessitates the closure of several coal power plants.
The Coalition abandoned its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 last November following internal disagreements, a decision that contributed to the ousting of former leader Sussan Ley. Her replacement, Angus Taylor, along with Nationals Leader Matt Canavan, has expressed opposition to significant investment in new renewables, arguing that Australia's abundant fossil fuel reserves should be utilized to lower energy costs.
The proposed changes have drawn criticism from independent MP Monique Ryan, who described the plan as "dumb, dangerous and desperate climate denial." Ryan argued that Australians have embraced clean energy because it is effective and saves money, suggesting the Coalition's policy is an attempt to appeal to One Nation voters.
Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie called the plan a "brain fart" and warned that increasing Australia's reliance on foreign oil and limiting access to more efficient vehicles would heighten vulnerability to future global shocks in an increasingly volatile world.
Australia is scheduled to host COP31, the largest annual government climate conference, in Turkey later in 2026. Tehan is expected to provide further details on the Coalition's plan during an address at the Australian Energy Nation Forum in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon.