‘Trashing our economy': Tehan maintains rage over Labor's green agenda
Dan Tehan, the new opposition spokesman for energy, is determined to continue Peter Dutton's attacks on the Albanese government's vision for a vast expansion of renewable energy, warning it will trash the economy and hurt homes and businesses.
Tehan has signalled the Sussan Ley-led opposition will pressure Labor over the cost and risks of its plan for a grid almost entirely powered by renewables.
'They're happy to trash our economy, trash our energy security, put enormous pressure on households while they're seeking to achieve this target,' Tehan said, in referencing years of rising power bills under the Albanese government.
Voters decisively rejecting the Coalition's plan to slow the rollout of wind and solar farms in favour of building state-owned nuclear power stations and Tehan's job in reshaping energy policy will not be made any easier by the Nationals.
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The junior Coalition partner has kicked off its own internal review of the nation's net zero by 2050 target, pushed by noted critic of the policy Matt Canavan.
Australia's commitment to net zero has been contentious for the conservative parties since the Abbott government signed Australia up to the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The goal is a centrepiece of the deal agreed to by 195 countries. It aims to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and limit the worst impacts of climate change.
The Dutton Coalition remained committed to the goal at the past election, fearing a voter backlash. But speculation is mounting that the Nationals party room will vote to ditch net zero, and in doing so embolden right-wing Liberal MPs to call for their party to follow suit.
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