Politics Now Sussan Ley killed net zero. Will it save her?
Nov 14, 2025
Opposition leader Sussan Ley faces intense scrutiny after defending her party's decision to abandon net zero targets. The discussion dives into whether her focus on affordability can resonate with middle Australia. The hosts illuminate the historical context of Liberal Party climate debates and explore Ley's authenticity as a leader. They also analyze the implications of recent policies on voters' priorities, pitting cost-of-living concerns against climate action. With potential natural disasters looming, the fallout from this decision could reshape the political landscape.
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Policy Shift Reveals Party Faultlines
- Sussan Ley's shift on net zero exposed deep factional splits and produced a messy, unstable policy outcome.
- That unresolved compromise leaves both policy and leadership questions open and likely to return as future reckonings.
Embracing Extremes Never Settles The Right
- The Liberal Party repeatedly faces the same strategic dilemma: embrace hard-right positions or try to hold the centre and risk internal revolt.
- Embracing extremes never fully secures that flank because rivals will always push further.
Sympathy For Ley Could Be Short Lived
- There is cross-party sympathy for Ley but it may evaporate if conservatives keep flexing power.
- Moderate support could shift blame elsewhere or abandon her if she must keep conceding to the Right.