Australia's conservative Liberal Party abandons net zero policy

Australia's conservative Liberal Party on Thursday walked away from its policy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and pledged instead to prioritise bringing down energy prices if elected.



The announcement settles months of public infighting between moderate and right-wing faction members over the party's climate policy, and aligns the Liberals with the National Party, their rural-based coalition partner.



Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the Liberal party would dismantle the centre-left Labor government's environment and energy policies if elected, scrapping targets on reducing emissions and renewable energy generation.



But it would not withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, she added.



"Today the Liberal Party has decided to put affordable energy first," Ley told reporters at a news conference.



"Net zero would be welcome if we can get there with technology, with choice and voluntary markets."



The Liberal Party's plan would also involve preventing early coal plant closures, lifting Australia's ban on nuclear energy and increasing investment in new gas supply and infrastructure.