Politics Now Why the Libs ditched net zero
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Nov 13, 2025 
Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation and a political expert, dives into the Liberal Party's controversial decision to abandon net zero. She discusses the implications of this policy shift on internal party dynamics and the power struggles between moderates and conservatives. Michelle also highlights the potential fallout in metropolitan and youth electorates, where the party risks alienating crucial voters. Lastly, she critiques the economic viability of their proposed energy policies amid rising investment uncertainties.
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Contradictory Net Zero Decision
- The Liberals dumped net zero while claiming to stay in the Paris Agreement, creating a contradictory policy package.
- Michelle Grattan calls the result a messy 'fig leaf' that placates factions but means little in practice.
Fig Leaf For Moderates
- Michelle Grattan describes the 'welcome if it occurs' line as a fig leaf for moderates with no real policy weight.
- She predicts the public will take no notice while moderates get symbolic cover.
Conservative Ascendancy
- The party room result is an overwhelming victory for Conservatives over Moderates.
- Grattan says branch and extra-parliamentary pressure turned net zero into a near-religious issue for the base.