In response to the breaking news that the Liberal Party has formally dumped their support for 2050 net zero emissions targets, Jono La Nauze, CEO of Environment Victoria said today:
“Environment Victoria and Victorian voters are dismayed that the federal Liberal Party has today joined with the Nationals in abandoning their net zero emissions targets.
“As COP30 kicks off in Belém this week, this will be seen as a betrayal of present and future generations of Victorians who want politicians that are up to the challenge of tackling the climate crisis head on – instead of kowtowing to climate wrecking coal and gas corporations.
“You can’t protect people from climate impacts if you don’t cut climate pollution. It is now clear that the Liberal and National parties do not give a fig about protecting Australians from harm.
“Whether it’s East Gippsland suffering the black summer fires, farmers in drought across Western and Northern Victoria, or households and businesses buffeted by extreme storms and flooding events in Melbourne and right across the state – all Victorians are already bearing the brunt of worsening climate impacts and it’s happening now.
“The Liberal and National Parties are on a unity ticket putting the interests of big coal and gas corporations over ordinary Australians.
“Any party that wants to govern in this country needs a credible plan to slash our climate pollution and build the clean energy and industry we need. A responsible government plans for the future – not just the next election cycle.
“Victorians are already being hit hard by climate change, through fires, floods, droughts and rising costs. Communities on the frontlines deserve leaders who are helping them adapt and thrive, not politicians who deny what’s happening and side with coal and gas corporations.
“Cutting pollution isn’t optional. It’s about protecting nature, safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring Australia remains a place where people can live and work safely.”