Nationals Revolt Threatens Coalition Unity Over Net Zero Climate Target

A major rift has erupted within Australia's Coalition as senior Nationals, led by Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack, push to scrap the country's net zero emissions target.

This internal rebellion is clashing with moderate Liberals who want to maintain the commitment, putting opposition leader Sussan Ley under intense pressure. The Nationals argue that net zero is unachievable and damaging to regional interests, while critics warn that abandoning the target could harm Australia's international standing and economic prospects. The infighting has overshadowed the start of the new parliamentary session and threatens to fracture the decades-old Liberal-National alliance.

The outcome of this dispute could reshape Australia's climate policy and the future of the Coalition.