Moderate Liberal senator Andrew Bragg has launched a blistering attack on colleagues within his own party, comparing their opposition to climate terminology to a 'fatwa' as the Coalition struggles to formulate a coherent energy policy.
Internal Rebellion Over Net Zero Commitment
The Liberal frontbencher has issued a dramatic ultimatum, threatening to resign from the shadow ministry if the party abandons its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and withdraws from the Paris climate agreement. Bragg declared he 'can't imagine' the Liberals ever leaving the Paris accord, emphasising that 'we are a party of government, right. We are not a fringe party, we're not fringe dwellers.'
His intervention comes at a critical moment for opposition leader Sussan Ley, who faces a series of high-stakes meetings this week to determine the Coalition's position on climate policy. Liberal MPs will reconvene in Canberra on Wednesday to debate the party's energy platform, with the shadow ministry meeting on Thursday to ratify a position.
Conservative Backlash and Energy Alternatives
The political crisis has been brewing as senior conservatives within the party have turned against the net zero policy, encouraging Ley to jettison not only the Scott Morrison-era 2050 target but any reference to net zero entirely. Meanwhile, the Nationals - the Coalition's junior partner - have already decided to abandon the commitment.
In a significant development, opposition energy spokesperson Dan Tehan signalled support for extending the life of coal-fired power stations, possibly with taxpayer subsidies, as part of a strategy to reduce prices through 'energy abundance'. Tehan stated the party needed to 'sweat those coal assets' and pump more gas into the system, though he refused to preempt the outcome of this week's crucial meetings.
The Queensland LNP government has already proposed keeping state-owned coal plants running for up to a decade longer than previously planned, with some potentially operating until at least 2046 - a move criticised by energy analysts and conservationists alike.
International Standing and Political Fallout
Bragg's colourful criticism targeted what he sees as an irrational campaign against specific terminology. 'You can't have a fatwa on two words,' the shadow housing minister told ABC's Insiders. 'This [net zero] is the international standard. Trying to pretend you're not going to say two words is absolutely ridiculous.'
The senator emphasised Australia's position within the global community, noting that 145 countries had announced or were considering net zero targets according to Climate Action Tracker. While there's no serious discussion about following Donald Trump's lead and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, remaining in the pact while watering down Australia's existing pledges would constitute a breach, as the agreement prohibits countries from going backwards on targets.
The internal divisions have sparked speculation about frontbench resignations and potential splits within the Coalition, with moderate Liberals weighing their options if the party adopts the Nationals' harder line on climate policy. The outcome places immense pressure on Sussan Ley's leadership, with an internal backlash inevitable regardless of which position she ultimately endorses.
