Liberal Senator Alerts Coalition MPs to Embrace Net Zero Policies or Face Alienation of Voters | Liberal Party

Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic implores her Coalition colleagues to fully accept climate change science and support policies aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2050. She warns that the economic and environmental risks for Australia require a unified front on climate action. After the Liberal-affiliated Coalition’s crushing defeat on May 3, some MPs have shown reluctance to commit to net zero targets, casting doubt on their support for opposition leader Sussan Ley’s climate policies. Notably, Nationals Senators Matt Canavan and Barnaby Joyce, along with Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie, have raised questions about these net zero plans in preparation for an internal policy review. Shadow Environment Minister Dan Tehan cited financial considerations as a factor that might influence the Coalition’s decision about whether to stick with the target. Kovacic, recently appointed as shadow assistant minister, argues that climate change is real and that the focus should be on formulating strategies for carbon emission reduction rather than debating the reality of climate science. Her comments came during an interview for ‘Australian Politics Podcast’ released by The Guardian. Senator Kovacic also highlights Australia’s potential to become a leader in renewable energy, emphasizing that this is in the country’s economic best interest as well as being crucial for environmental reasons. She calls for Coalition members to have constructive discussions on climate policies and stresses the importance of aligning the party’s stance with voter concerns to maintain support.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/13/coalition-mps-should-embrace-net-zero-policies-or-risk-alienating-voters-liberal-senator-warns