The Australian Coalition is currently embroiled in internal disagreements over climate policy, particularly surrounding Barnaby Joyce's private bill to abolish the country's 2050 net zero emissions target, which is set for debate in the House of Representatives.

Supporters of the bill, including some Queensland MPs, criticize green energy projects for harming regional communities and argue that renewables are too costly and lack social approval, while denying that opposition to net zero equates to climate denial.

Meanwhile, independent MP Zali Steggall plans to introduce a bill mandating regular, transparent climate risk assessments and funded adaptation plans, emphasizing the importance of timely climate evaluations.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley indicated the Coalition would delay setting policy until after reviewing their poor recent election performance on climate issues, and a working group led by Dan Tehan has been established to address this.

The debate features prominent figures like Barnaby Joyce, who opposes net zero targets, and Nationals leader David Littleproud, who advocates for nuclear energy and lifting the moratorium on nuclear power to diversify Australia's energy sources.

The bill's debate was temporarily adjourned and is scheduled to resume the following day, highlighting the ongoing division within the Parliament.

Some Liberal MPs face pressure from conservative groups to abandon net zero commitments, although others, such as Senator Andrew McLachlan, continue to support climate action.

The Greens have called for an inquiry into alleged secrecy around climate risk assessments and criticized the government for using the bill to undermine Labor’s climate record.

The Albanese government has legislated a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030 from 2005 levels and plans to announce a 2035 target ahead of COP30 in November.

The Queensland Liberal National Conference recently voted to abandon the party’s net zero by 2050 commitment, with leader David Littleproud playing a key role in this decision, reflecting broader state-level opposition.

Joyce and other Nationals argue that emissions reductions from renewables are ineffective and too costly, opposing the long-term net zero goal.

While these state motions do not legally bind the federal party, they are expected to deepen ideological conflicts within the Coalition as they review energy and emissions policies.

Over the weekend, the Queensland LNP voted to oppose Australia's net zero targets, mirroring similar divisions across other states like South Australia and Western Australia.