Opposition Cites Affordability Before Ideology in Move to Drop Net Zero Target

The Liberal Party’s shift comes amid pressure from its right faction, several membership votes against net zero, as well as One Nation.

Australian Opposition Leader Sussan Ley with Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan speaks to the media during a during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 13, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Cost of living, not climate ideology, is the message Opposition Leader Sussan Ley delivered as she officially unveiled the Liberal Party’s decision to formally abandon its 2050 emission targets.

After a marathon party room meeting yesterday, on Nov. 13, the Liberal Party officially dropped the renewables target with the right faction largely aligning against the policy.