In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced that the Coalition will not commit to a 2030 emissions reduction target if elected, effectively nullifying Australia’s current legislated target of a 43 per cent cut from 2005 levels by 2030.
Dutton emphasised that the Coalition would not settle on a 2030 target until after the next election, choosing to focus solely on the 2050 net-zero goal for now.
He criticised the Labor government’s 2030 target as unachievable and ideologically driven, arguing that it risked economic damage and could send families bankrupt.
Climate experts and the Climate Council have warned that abandoning the 2030 target would breach the Paris Agreement, which requires countries to set increasingly ambitious targets leading up to 2050.
They believe this move would make Australia a “global laughing stock”.
Experts estimate that a 2030 target of around 70 per cent emissions reduction would be necessary to align with Paris goals, with the Climate Change Authority previously recommending a reduction of 65-75 per cent by 2035.
Business groups have expressed concern over the lack of a bipartisan approach and the resulting policy uncertainty for investment in low-emissions technologies.
Meanwhile, Teal independent MPs criticised Dutton’s stance, warning that it would damage Australia’s international reputation and investor confidence.
While reiterating support for the Paris Agreement, Dutton prioritised economic conditions over “pleasing people in Paris,” suggesting a potential withdrawal from the deal.
Responding to Dutton’s announcement, Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie stated: “Dutton’s climate policy is a disaster, and the consequence for Australians would be more extreme heat, fires, and floods.
“Instead of ripping up Australia’s 2030 climate targets, Peter Dutton must listen to the communities already ravaged by worsening climate disasters.
“There are 195 countries signed up to the Paris Agreement. Opting out would make Australia a global laughing stock. The Liberals haven’t learned the lesson Australians gave them at the last election: this is more of the same from the party who already gave us a decade of denial and delay on climate.”
Head of Policy and Advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner added: “Peter Dutton is now promising Australians more climate pollution and a more dangerous future for our kids. This is the make-or-break decade to slash climate pollution by accelerating Australia’s move to clean energy.
“This is what it takes to keep our kids safe from escalating climate change and set Australia up for our next era of prosperity. Australia is already making great progress, with 40 per cent of the power in our main national grid coming from clean energy, and one in three households having solar on their roof. Doing a massive u-turn on this momentum makes no sense when we can accelerate it instead.”
Dutton’s refusal to commit to a 2030 target and criticism of Labor’s legislated goal signals the Coalition’s intention to significantly weaken or abandon Australia’s interim climate targets if elected.
This stance has drawn warnings from experts, businesses, and some MPs about the potential economic and diplomatic consequences, setting the stage for a contentious debate on the future of Australia’s climate policy.