The Morning Edition Coalition combust over net zero. Will the anti-climate action stance work?
Sep 18, 2025
James Massola, Chief political commentator for The Age/Sydney Morning Herald, dives into Australia's ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target and the Coalition's fierce backlash. He explores whether the Coalition's cost-focused anti-climate strategy can sway voters, delving into recent political divisions and comparisons with the Voice campaign. Massola also discusses the global implications of Australia's climate commitments amid international challenges, highlighting the risks and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Purpose Of The 2035 Target
- The 2035 target is an interim step to avoid a sudden, disruptive shift to net zero by 2050.
- It creates an orderly trajectory instead of a last-minute economic cliff-face.
Hastie Threatens Resignation
- Andrew Hastie publicly said he would resign from the front bench if the coalition remained committed to net zero by 2050.
- He called net zero a "straitjacket" and has long opposed the 2050 target.
Coalition's Deep Internal Split
- The coalition is split between MPs who see net zero as electoral necessity and those who see it as economic suicide.
- That internal divide makes it unlikely the party will quickly settle a coherent 2050 position.