THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Leader of The Nationals
Shadow Agriculture Minister
13 November 2025
The Liberals’ net zero decision the right step towards a cheaper, better, fairer way
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has welcomed the Liberal Party’s position to drop net zero, in a move that will help Australian households and businesses achieve a cheaper, better and fairer way to lower emissions.
Mr Littleproud said The Nationals had a pragmatic approach and consultative process in reaching their decision to drop net zero and give the Liberals the time, space and respect needed to get to their position.
“The Nationals engaged in a well thought out process, which put Australians first,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Our plan is far cheaper than Labor’s $9 trillion net zero plan, which would put Medicare and NDIS at risk.
“The Liberals’ decision to dump net zero is good news because it prioritises Australian households and what is coming out of their wallets. The Nationals now look forward to working constructively with the Liberals to get to the Coalition’s final position.”
Mr Littleproud said while the science of climate change is settled, the economics of lowering emissions needs to be challenged.
“OECD countries have been cutting their emissions by 1 per cent per year while Australia has been cutting its emissions by about 2 per cent per year – double the OECD rate.
“We should do our fair share to reduce global emissions, but not more than the rest of the world.
“Our common sense approach is in contrast to Labor’s reckless race to net zero.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reverted to puerile politics by labelling anyone who is against Labor’s plan as a climate denier.
“If that’s all the intellectual rigour Labor can bring to this debate, it shows this government is out of touch.
“Under Labor’s net zero, electricity prices are up by 39 per cent. Gas prices are up by 46 per cent. In the meantime, real wages have dropped back to 2011 levels and 7000 manufacturing jobs have been lost. Labor’s net zero plan has lost its social licence. ”
The Nationals have adopted a cheaper, better, fairer energy and climate plan.
“Our plan is cheaper because we will lower energy prices first, use all of our resources and abandon the commitment to net zero. All carbon taxes and restrictions should be removed.
“Our plan is better because we will protect our local environment through local community action such as waterway protection, land restoration and soil carbon. We will ensure that our national security is not compromised.
“Our plan is fairer because we will reduce emissions in line with comparable nations, not ahead of them. We will ensure that costs are distributed fairly, not concentrated on regional Australia.”
