Liberal Frontbencher Hastie Threatens Quit Over Net-Zero Policy

Andrew Hastie, a senior member of the Liberal opposition frontbench in Australia, has threatened to quit or be removed from his position if Opposition Leader Sussan Ley does not abandon the Coalition's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Hastie, who opposes the net-zero target, argues that energy security is essential for building a stronger, more secure, and competitive Australia and views the policy as economically restrictive. His ultimatum comes amid a review of the Coalition’s climate policy following the party's significant defeat in the May federal election, where former leader Peter Dutton proposed building nuclear reactors to meet emissions targets. Ley has faced internal challenges, including the recent sacking of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price for not supporting her leadership, highlighting ongoing instability within the party. The debate over net-zero targets is occurring alongside growing public concern about climate risks, such as increased heatwave deaths and coastal flooding, detailed in a recent federal climate risk assessment. Ley and her deputy have emphasized the need for credible climate targets that balance emissions reduction with economic impacts on households and businesses.