Labor clears the way for coalition climate clash

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce in July introduced a bill to scrap the emissions reduction measure and the Labor government has allowed it to be debated again on Monday.

Though it is guaranteed to fail because it lacks the support of the government, the debate is expected to lay bare the schisms between some members of the Nationals, who back repealing the target, and moderate Liberals, who believe it must be retained to show the opposition is taking climate change seriously.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused the coalition of wanting to return to the climate wars.

"It is defying what we see happening around us and defying the science," he told reporters in Canberra.

"If you get rid of net zero, you are saying climate change is not real and you do not need to do anything about it.

"The fact that the coalition have become more right-wing and more entrenched in their opposition to climate change action than the Morrison government is rather extraordinary."

Data released by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen found Australia is tracking well to meet its 2030 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels.

Emissions have fallen by 1.4 per cent in the year to March 2025, meaning about 440.2 million tonnes were released in that period - about 28 per cent below 2005 levels.

But the government has been urged to go even further when it eventually sets its 2035 target, and the Climate Change Authority is considering a 65 to 75 per cent target.

Independent MP Zali Steggall is also expected to introduce a push for the government to better prepare communities for the impacts of climate change.

"Australia can't afford to keep reacting after the damage is done," she said.

"Planning for the impacts of climate change and enhancing resilience is critical to protecting our economy and productivity, safeguarding assets and infrastructure, and keeping Australians safe."

Her proposal would require the government to develop a national plan to address the risks posed by climate change, undertake national risk assessments every five years and provide an annual progress report.

Asked why Labor had not cleared the way for Ms Steggall's bill to be debated, he noted Mr Joyce was a member of the alternative government and said it was "reasonable" to allocate time for private members' business.

Australian Associated Press