Coalition Unveils Plan to Dismantle Net Zero Goals

Almost every aspect of Australia’s climate and energy policy would be ditched under a Coalition plan leaning heavily on fossil fuels.

The eight-point plan, released Sept. 23, includes removing four offshore wind zones, repealing the Climate Change Act to scrap net zero targets, and lifting prohibitions on nuclear energy.

An existing carbon emissions policy for vehicles would be canned and developers would be encouraged to invest in all energy types, including coal, gas and nuclear, rather than focusing on renewables.

A renewable energy code of conduct to ensure companies earn social licence would also be introduced, but details are yet to be announced.

The sweeping changes would all be made within 30 days of the Coalition being elected to government, Opposition energy spokesperson Dan Tehan said in a statement.

“The last four and a half years, energy policy has been driven by ideology, political targets, and government picking winners rather than the basic realities of keeping the lights on and Australian businesses competitive,” he said.

“Australia should have an energy system built around three non-negotiable principles: affordability, reliability and security.”

The plan contrasts with Labor’s existing push to power just over 80 percent of the national grid with renewables in the next four years.

The closure of several coal power plants will be needed to achieve that.

The Coalition has long argued over energy targets and abandoned its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 last November after intense internal disagreement.

The net zero fight led to the ousting of former leader Sussan Ley, who was rolled by Angus Taylor in February.

Taylor and his colleague, Nationals Leader Matt Canavan, are against most investment in new renewables, arguing that Australia has ample fossil fuels that should be used to reduce power costs.

Independent MP Monique Ryan slammed the Coalition’s plan as “dumb, dangerous and desperate climate denial.”

“Australians have embraced clean energy because it works,” she said, saying the policy was an attempt to win over One Nation voters.

‘’We’ve spent years investing in rooftop solar, electric vehicles, household batteries, and home electrification because these technologies save money and reduce emissions.”

Australia will lead negotiations at COP31, the largest annual government climate conference, being held in Turkey later in 2026.

Tehan will address the Australian Energy Nation Forum in Sydney on the afternoon of Sept. 23, during which he is expected to outline more details of the plan.

By Lucinda Garbutt-Young in Canberra