Following a “constructive” meeting of the Liberal party yesterday (Dan Tehan’s words) that went for nearly five hours, the party will today reveal its energy policy with the likelihood that it will be dumping the net zero by 2050 target.
The shadow energy minister, who’s been charged with creating the policy, spent last night writing up a submission which he’ll present to the shadow ministry at 9am this morning.
At a press conference last night, Tehan gave little away, and said we’d all know the policy – which he and leader Sussan Ley will announce – by midday today.
That policy will reflect two foundational principles and eight guiding principles that were handed out following yesterday’s marathon meeting.
The two foundational principles are to create a stable energy grid with affordable power, and reduce emissions in a responsible way that ensures Australia “does its fair share” – in that order.
The eight guiding principles include: putting affordable energy first, technology neutrality, a commitment to Paris (but with no legislated mandates or interim targets), social licence requirements for electricity infrastructure and scrapping carbon taxes, tariffs and mandates like the national vehicle emissions standards.
Stargazers were given a rare treat last night when the southern lights were visible across wide parts of the Australian night sky.
A severe solar storm had paved the way for the spectacular display of aurora australis, particularly in Victoria and as far north as the Blue Mountains where they were seen over the Three Sisters near Katoomba.
The lights were also seen in New Zealand.
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer, setting the scene for the day, and then it will be Nick Visser to guide you though the day.
We’re expecting to hear Sussan Ley announce whether or not the Liberal party is going to keep its net zero commitment or follow the Nationals in ditching the policy. After yesterday’s marathon five-hour party room meeting, the shadow cabinet will hear the verdict from Dan Tehan at 9am and then we expect to hear from the leader in public by midday. More coming up.
Stargazers were given a rare treat last night when the southern lights were visible across wide parts of the Australian night sky. We have some pictures coming up.
More than 100 community groups have written an open letter to all federal MPs and senators urging them to reject the Albanese government’s legislation to reform Australia’s nature laws. The letter, signed by groups such as Lock the Gate Alliance and Friends of the Earth, says the reforms “take us backwards”. More details shortly.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theguardian.com
