National MP Sparks Net Zero Split With Repeal Push

Joyce says net zero hurts Australians while benefiting billionaires, as major global emitters refuse to act on climate.

Nationals member for New England Barnaby Joyce before a press conference outside Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 28, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to repeal Australia’s legislated net zero emissions targets, describing the policy as economically damaging and globally ineffective.

“Net zero is going to have absolutely no effect on the climate whatsoever,” Joyce told Parliament, arguing that countries like China, India, Indonesia, the United States, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East were not “participating in it in a real form.”

He said the policy has undermined the Australian standard of living, fuelled energy price hikes, and forced industries like plastics, fertiliser, and aluminium into decline.

“People are becoming poorer ... the power bill has been going through the roof,” he said.

“Cui bono—who benefits? Not manufacturing, not pensioners, not rural Australia. Billionaires benefit ... underwritten by you, the taxpayer, with borrowed money,” Joyce claimed, referencing capacity investment schemes.

However, the debate on his bill has been adjourned for a later hour.

Littleproud Respects Joyce’s Call

Nationals leader David Littleproud said he respected Joyce’s decision to act unilaterally, even if it came before the Coalition had completed its formal review of the net zero policy.

“Barnaby didn’t want to wait, I respect that,” Littleproud told Sky News Australia, adding he did not believe the move undermined the process.

“We may get to the same position, I don’t want to preempt it.”

Pressed on whether a Nationals pivot away from net zero would fracture the Coalition—especially with moderate Liberals warning such a move could damage their mainstream appeal—Littleproud said both parties must address their electorates’ realities.

“We have to win our seats ... we can’t turn our back on what’s happening in our communities,” he said.

He pointed to the Nationals’ success in feeding into the broader Coalition stance during the Indigenous Voice referendum, suggesting a similar process may unfold for climate policy.

Later, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan also joined Joyce outside Parliament in calling for the repeal of net zero laws.

Net Zero Rollback Harms the Bush: Bowen

Earlier, speaking in the Parliament on July 24, Energy Minister Chris Bowen dismissed Joyce’s position, warning it would leave rural Australians worse off.

“They’re betraying people in rural and regional Australia ... they are the ones who suffer the most from droughts and floods made worse by climate change,” Bowen said.

“And they have the most to gain from the jobs and investment that net zero will bring.”

In March, the Albanese government introduced new legislation to enshrine its Net Zero Economy Authority, positioning it as a catalyst for investment and job creation in the low-emissions transition.

The bill comes alongside a $189.3 million funding commitment over four years. The Authority will guide major project development, community support, workforce transition and skills training.

Gas Priority in Energy Rethink: Tehan

Liberal MP Dan Tehan, who is overseeing the Coalition’s energy policy review, said gas would be a key focus for the group’s work.

The Coalition’s energy policy review team held its first meeting last week, which Tehan described as a “very good discussion,” with gas policy set to be a key focus.

Asked whether Joyce’s bill complicated the process, Tehan welcomed the debate.

“Like everyone in the Coalition, Barnaby has a right to express his views,” he said.