The Morning Edition Inside Politics: The Coalition’s net zero word salad, and Ley’s leadership ‘not safe’
Nov 13, 2025
Join Paul Sakkal, chief political correspondent at The Age/Sydney Morning Herald, and James Massola, chief political commentator, as they dissect the unfolding drama within the Liberal Party over its net zero policy. They delve into the murky details of Susan Lee's press conference, the Coalition's muddled strategy, and whether cost-of-living concerns can truly sway public opinion on climate change. The discussion also examines past leaders' influences, internal polling feedback, and the fragile state of Lee's leadership amidst increasing pressures.
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Long-Running Internal Split Forced A Quick Fix
- The Liberal Party's net zero debate stemmed from months of internal conflict and a rushed late push to resolve it.
- A Nationals-led move accelerated the process and forced the Liberals to hasten a policy decision.
Policy Rationale Lacked A Coherent Mechanism
- Susan Lee framed dropping interim targets as siding with Australians on affordability and reliability.
- She couldn't explain how staying in Paris while ditching net zero and interim targets would actually work.
Energy Price Attack Needs A Coherent Climate Plan
- The Liberals see an opening to attack Labor on rising power prices if they can present a coherent alternative.
- But the new policy offered no clear emissions-reduction pathway beyond vague references to technology.