It will be “very difficult” for the Liberal Party to win back metropolitan seats and return to government if the party formally abandons net zero today, Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan has said following a marathon party room meeting yesterday.
“I think the community want us to show a passion and motivation to leave the world in a better place, and from that, our policy should unfold. And I think if you can’t show that motivation or that integrity of thought it’s a major factor in how they cast their vote,” McLachlan told ABC Radio National this morning.
“I don’t profess to be an energy expert, but I think the public expect us to be committed to the environment, committed to protecting the environment. I consider myself a conservative, and my driving force is to leave the planet in a better place for next generation,” the South Australian Senator said.
Senator Andrew McLachlan arriving at yesterday’s Liberal party room meeting. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
When asked what he would say to colleagues that see the abandonment of net zero as politically advantageous, McLachlan said: “you’re wrong … if you’re going to argue that we’re going to abandon net zero, you’re going to be very alone in the community, and also the business community. I think all levels of community have moved on.”
McLachlan was one of 17 Liberals to speak in favour of keeping net zero targets during an almost five-hour long party room meeting yesterday. There were 29 speakers against, and three whose position was unclear. No formal vote was taken.
The full Liberal shadow ministry will meet this morning to formalise their policy, and are expected to announce their platform by the afternoon.
