South Australian Liberals in turmoil over net zero
The South Australian Liberal Party has voted to scrap Australia’s 2050 net zero emissions target.
This decision comes as the state nears its own legislated goal of 100 per cent net renewables by 2027.
The vote was passed at a weekend meeting that also acknowledged the impacts of severe drought.
Far right Senator Alex Antic publicly celebrated the outcome, whereas State Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia quickly distanced himself, stating the motion should not apply to South Australia.
The motion contradicts the party’s own past commitment to 100 per cent net renewables by 2030 while in government.
That target was accelerated by the current Labor government and enshrined in law through its Climate Change Act.
South Australia leads the world in the uptake of variable renewables, with a 72 per cent share of local demand over the last 12 months.
The episode reflects a widening divide within the Liberal and Coalition ranks over Australia’s climate future.