- A liberal frontbencher may step down over net zero policies
- "I've committed myself fully," Hastie says.
A Liberal frontbencher, Andrew Hastie, indicated he might resign or be removed from the shadow cabinet if the Coalition does not abandon its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Member of Parliament from Western Australia stated to ABC RadioPerthOn Monday, he stated that he would leave the Coalition if Opposition Leader Sussan Ley continues with the target.
When asked what he would do if Ley backed the target, Mr Hastie replied, "That would leave me jobless."
"I've committed myself to my stance," he added.
If I leave with the tide in two and a half years, that would be wonderful... I'll have much more time to spend with my children.
Hastie, who has often been regarded as a possible future leader of the party, is one of several Coalition MPs who believe the policy acts as an economic hindrance.
My main goal in politics is to create a more robust, safer, and more competitive Australia. Energy security plays a crucial role in achieving this, which is why it's my top priority.
I mentioned that the net-zero policy acts as a constraint on our economy and nation, and I stand by that belief. I am genuinely enthusiastic about this perspective.
Ley initiated an assessment of the Coalition's environmental strategy, led by her energy representative Dan Tehan, after the party's poor performance in the May election.
Although Tehan mentioned that the Coalition was moving quickly to finalize its new policy, Hastie's statements increase the pressure on Ley to adopt a definitive stance.
The initial National Climate Risk Assessment of Australia was published on Monday, leading to demands from certain politicians for higher emission reduction goals.
The report cautioned that climate change might reduce property values by over $600 billion by 2050 and cause a rise in heat-related deaths by more than 400 percent.
Hastie dismissed the warnings as 'climate alarmism', arguing that energy affordability should be the main priority.
"Compiled by politically biased, economically detached government officials who are shielding Labor," he stated.
The most effective action we can take for the Australian population is to set a goal to reduce costs, ensuring affordable electricity and gas, allowing households to have more money available for other expenses.
The remarks concluded a challenging week for the Coalition and Ley, with their approval rating plummeting according to the most recent Newspoll.
Her approval rating dropped to negative 17 percent, with just 32 percent of voters expressing satisfaction with her performance according to the results released by The Australian.
Ley was compelled to remove Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price from the Coalition's frontbench on Wednesday following her refusal to endorse her leadership.
Although Hastie openly expressed his backing for Ley, his rejection of the party's procedures adds further uncertainty regarding the Opposition Leader's control over the party.
When asked about his opinion on Ley's choice to dismiss Price, he stated that the demotion was "unavoidable."
'Sussan had no alternative in the end since Jacinta Nampijinpa Price did not show support for her leadership, and one of the requirements for being part of the shadow cabinet or the outer ministry is to back the leader,' he stated.
She backs me... I wouldn't be here talking to you as the shadow minister for home affairs.
Read more- Is Sussan Ley's leadership facing challenges following Jacinta Price's dramatic removal from the frontbench?
- What caused a wave of backlash against Sussan Ley's leadership following Jacinta Price's exit from the frontbench?
- Is the Coalition's internal conflicts and the lowest Newspoll rating ever going to lead to the end of Sussan Ley's leadership before Christmas?
- Why is the new opposition leader Sussan Ley adopting a cautious approach despite increasing difficulties within her own party?
- Why did former shadow finance minister Jane Hume unexpectedly lose her position in Sussan Ley's frontbench team, even though she backed her during the leadership contest?