The Liberal Party has decided to officially abandon its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This decision follows a meeting where a majority of party members expressed support for removing the climate target. On Thursday, Liberal shadow ministers also agreed to repeal the Labor government's 2030 emissions reduction legislation. However, they will continue to participate in the Paris Agreement and will set five-year Nationally Determined Contributions, but only from the government.

While the party will not actively pursue net zero, it was noted that achieving it would be a "welcome" outcome. One Liberal member described the decision as a "compromise" between the moderate and conservative factions, while another indicated it aligns more closely with the right faction's views. This shift brings the Liberal Party closer to the Nationals, who abandoned their support for the net zero commitment earlier this month amid internal disputes regarding the Coalition's direction.

Representatives from both parties are set to negotiate before meeting on Sunday to establish a joint policy position. The shadow ministry convened for about three hours on Thursday morning, following a significant party room meeting focused on net zero. During that meeting, each of the 49 members present was given five minutes to express their views. Although no formal vote was taken, it was clear that more members opposed the target than supported it.

Several prominent figures within the party, including Deputy Leader Ted O'Brien and Opposition Business Leader Alex Hawke, voiced strong opposition to maintaining the 2050 pledge. Other senior shadow cabinet members, such as Michaelia Cash, Jonathon Duniam, and James Paterson, also advocated for dropping the net zero target. In contrast, some senior moderates, including Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic, argued for retaining the commitment.

The net zero target was initially set by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2021 after a contentious debate within the Coalition. It was later legislated by the Albanese government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the Coalition's decision to abandon climate action, stating, "Australians cannot afford to keep paying the price of Coalition infighting when it comes to climate policy and energy policy." He emphasized the importance of moving toward affordable energy solutions and ensuring investment certainty for businesses to foster job creation and economic growth.