Liberal leader Sassan Ray has stated that her party won’t commit to climate targets for 2030 or 2035 unless the coalition regains power. Initially, Ray claimed she didn’t believe in setting targets but later called this a misstatement, clarifying her views on opposition targets. This prompted mockery from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who questioned the coalition’s policy stability.
While the government aims for a 70% emissions reduction by 2035, business groups support this, though climate advocates criticize it as insufficient. The coalition labeled the target as “economy recovery,” yet Ray has not put forth an alternative target, maintaining a commitment to net-zero by 2050, a pledge under former PM Scott Morrison.
Amid pressure from conservatives, Ray had a confusing press conference where she initially rejected setting targets but later backtracked, emphasizing the government’s importance in setting emissions goals. Albanese condemned her initial comments, framing them as a potential withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, a claim denied by coalition sources.
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