Coalition's New Climate and Energy Policy: Cost-First Approach Sparks Debate - Lethal Heating Editor BDA

Key Points

Coalition prioritises affordable energy over mandated emissions targets1 Net zero target and Labor’s 2030 and 2050 emissions targets rejected2 Supports balanced energy mix including coal, gas, renewables and nuclear3 Opposes premature coal power plant closures and renewables mandates4 Proposes measures to secure Australian gas supply and infrastructure5 Critics say policy stalls emissions progress amid growing climate urgency6

The Australian Federal Coalition has unveiled a new climate and energy policy focused sharply on affordable energy and sustainable costs for families and businesses.

The policy rejects legally binding emissions targets, including scrapping the current government's 43 per cent emissions reduction target for 2030 and the net zero by 2050 goal.

Instead, it proposes a gradual emissions reduction approach, aligned with year-on-year improvements and technological progress without imposing mandates or interim targets.

The Coalition emphasises restoring communities to the centre of energy decision-making while supporting a balanced energy mix, including coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear.

The party pledges to prevent premature closure of coal-fired power plants and to unlock investment in Australian gas supply and infrastructure.

The new policy frames its approach as responsible and achievable, positioning itself as a corrective to what it calls Labor’s costly and arbitrary mandates.

Critics argue the policy risks stagnating Australia's climate progress and undermining international commitments amid intensifying climate risks.

This article explores the Coalition’s policy details, reactions from experts and stakeholders, and implications for Australia’s climate future.

Policy Overview: Affordable Energy First

The Liberal-National Coalition’s latest policy places affordable energy at the forefront of its climate strategy.

It commits to reducing emissions "on average year on year" over the duration of Australia's Nationally Determined Contributions, but without legislated mandates or interim targets.¹

The Coalition will remove the net zero target from policy and scrap Labor’s 43 per cent 2030 and net zero 2050 targets if elected, prioritising household budgets and economic strength over ambitious targets.¹

The party challenges the feasibility and cost of Labor’s emissions targets, citing estimates of up to $530 billion in additional investment and high costs to Australian households.¹

Energy Mix and Infrastructure Commitments

The new policy advocates for a balanced energy mix that includes coal, gas, renewables, and specifically, lifts prohibitions on zero-emission nuclear energy.¹

Coal-fired power plants are guaranteed protection from premature closure under the proposed framework.¹

Measures to secure Australian gas include unlocking new supply and infrastructure investment, streamlining regulations, and backing an east coast gas reservation scheme conditional on consumer protections.¹

The policy signals a removal of certain regulatory measures like the Gas Code but strengthens the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism as a last resort.¹

Community and Market Focus

The Coalition promises to restore communities to the centre of decision-making through a new Code of Conduct for electricity infrastructure developers linked to federal funding access.¹

This Code will also be embedded into State Energy Deals, aiming to prioritise consumer interests such as price, quality, safety, reliability, and supply security.¹

The party plans to scrap Labor’s 82 per cent renewables by 2030 target and review contracts under existing schemes to focus on affordability and reliability.¹

Reactions and Analysis

Energy experts and climate advocates have been critical, warning that removing binding targets risks stalling emissions reductions efforts amid a global urgency to address climate change.⁶

Critics argue the policy's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and opposition to renewables mandates could hinder progress and keep power costs high.⁶

The Coalition counters that their policy is practical, focused on technologies and markets, avoids costly mandates, and maintains a commitment to the Paris Agreement.¹

It remains unclear how this policy would align with Australia's broader international climate commitments without firm emissions targets.³

Implications for Australia’s Climate Future

Coalition’s policy signals a major pivot from the current Labor government's approach, placing cost and economic considerations above aggressive climate goals.¹

This approach may appeal to voters concerned with energy affordability and economic stability but risks criticism for insufficient climate ambition.

International observers and environmental groups are likely to scrutinise how Australia can meet the Paris Agreement goals without clear interim targets or mandated pathways.

Ultimately, the policy frames its emissions strategy as a matter of responsibility, affordability, and technological progress without enforced targets.¹

References

1. The Liberal Plan for affordable energy and lower emissions (liberal.org.au, 12 Nov 2025)
2. Coalition cements climate policy: no net zero, more fossil fuels (sbs.com.au, 16 Nov 2025)
3. Coalition plans to strip climate from energy operator's role (abc.net.au, 15 Nov 2025)
4. ‘Fighting against gravity’: Coalition’s energy policy lashed (thenewdaily.com.au, 16 Nov 2025)
5. The Liberal Plan for affordable energy and lower emissions (liberal.org.au, 12 Nov 2025)
6. Energy expert lashes Coalition’s new policy (thenewdaily.com.au, 16 Nov 2025)

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