As the Liberal and National parties attempt to agree to net zero, Barnaby Joyce needs to find a way to sell a policy to his electorate that he doesn’t believe in
Nationals’ concerns about the effects on regional Australia are legitimate, but greater forces in favour of a net-zero emissions target will likely push the policy over the line.
The Nationals have tried to link the UK energy crisis to its net-zero climate target. But as an expert advisor to the International Energy Agency tells us, the two are unrelated.
The Nationals face the “wicked problem” of how to subvert the uncertain fortnight behind them, with the possibility of further leadership spills constantly looming.
The internal chaos of the Nationals has continued into the second week of parliament. With the minor party of the Coalition deeply split, the future of the government is uncertain.
The Nationals’ meltdown has been triggered by the forced resignation of Bridget McKenzie, and while only a new deputy needed to be elected, Joyce has seized the opportunity to make his leadership run.
Politicians routinely criticise young climate strikers as not making a difference. But the reality is quite different.
Ellen Smith/AAP
Conscripting young volunteers to combat climate change is not necessary. Australians aged 15-17 already have the highest rates of volunteering in the country.
WA Nationals leader Mia Davies said Barnaby Joyce no longer had the state party’s support as the Nationals’ federal leader.
Richard Wainwright/AAP
Barry O'Sullivan has declared that Barnaby Joyce remains a big asset to the Nationals despite the sharp grassroots reaction to his affair with his former staffer.
Malcolm Turnbull last week tried to keep away from the Barnaby Joyce matter by saying it was private.
Dan Peled/AAP