Nationals Revive Net Zero Debate in Parliament, Pits the Economy Against Climate Action

The Nationals highlight job losses and rising costs, while Labor argues clean energy powers growth, protects agriculture, and strengthens resilience.

Sunsets on a wind turbine at Hornsdale Wind Farm in Adelaide, Australia, on Sept. 29, 2017. Mark Brake/Getty Images

The push to repeal Australia’s net zero emissions targets returned to Parliament with Nationals MPs arguing the policy is economically destructive and globally ineffective.

Nationals MP Llew O’Brien said that while climate change is real, Australia cannot be expected to bear the burden alone.