Australia's climate policy debate has intensified, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's recent decision not to set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 drawing significant criticism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese argues that climate action is a top priority for voters, while Dutton's stance is seen as a move to appeal to his political base. Critics, including climate experts, political figures like Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Teal MPs, have condemned Dutton's position, suggesting it will increase costs and hinder progress. The slow pace of green energy development and stringent environmental approvals are also contributing to the challenges in meeting renewable energy targets, with the PM's goal of 82% renewables by 2030 at risk. The division within the Coalition over climate action is becoming more pronounced, with some members advocating for stronger measures. Dutton's nuclear policy is viewed by some as a 'get out of jail free card' on climate change. Climate elders have described Dutton's stance as disastrous, and the rush to renewables is being blamed for rising power prices. Additionally, the debate has been termed an 'intergenerational crime against humanity' by some experts.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong on #PeterDutton’s claim that dropping the 2030 climate targets will make things cheaper. “It’s mind-bogglingly absurd for him to claim that more uncertainty will do anything but increase costs.” #insiders https://t.co/rrDoXOqaqa
“He wants to use the nuclear policy as a get out of jail free card on climate change.” WATCH: The #ABCInsiders panel discuss Opposition Leader’s announcement that the Coalition will oppose the 2030 emissions target and go to the next election without an alternative. #auspol https://t.co/JySdchowBg
"An intergenerational crime against humanity." @joellegergis joined @pollyjhemming to discuss her @quarterly_essay Highway to Hell. #auspol #climate #insiders https://t.co/OVd9yM1TXk
WATCH: A wrap of the week 👇 The week saw the contest between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton sharpen over climate change. The Opposition Leader says the rush to renewables is driving up power prices. The PM says hitting the brakes would be even worse. https://t.co/1RBzBY3Uc1
Disastrous, dark shadow, destroys our economy: five climate elders on Peter Dutton’s emissions stance | Climate crisis | by @readfearn The Guardian https://t.co/qcaP6LOKC5
Disastrous, dark shadow, destroys our economy: five climate elders on Peter Dutton’s emissions stance https://t.co/9JeMy1a07r
New figures heighten the dispute over energy policy after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed this week he would not set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. https://t.co/m582YiSn8K
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite says a number of Teal MP's speaking out against Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton's climate target u-turn proves the Australian people want “action on climate change.” https://t.co/6Q8U6WJ7ZF
🇦🇺 What The Hell Is This? Inside The Coalition's Climate Division ▫As the Coalition fractures over climate action, Anthony Albanese believes it is the No. 1 issue for many voters ▫@KJBar ▫https://t.co/6HzggNXnT3 👈 #frontpagestoday #Australia @SatPaper 🇦🇺 https://t.co/TxJSgZDqah
🇦🇺 Green Energy Slow Blow ▫The PM will fail to hit his target of 82 per cent renewables by 2030, as slow planning and onerous environmental approvals are stymieing efforts to build enough green energy this decade ▫@Colpackham #frontpagestoday #Australia @australian 🇦🇺 https://t.co/eB5HQ7pVup
‘Paris’ is burning consensus on Australia’s climate policies – and that’s how Peter Dutton wants it | Spot on by @KarenMMiddleton https://t.co/r3zThKT9JC
‘Paris’ is burning consensus on Australia’s climate policies – and that’s how Peter Dutton wants it | Karen Middleton https://t.co/JjvTZo5fO6