Australia's Opposition Coalition Unveils Eight-Point Plan to Scrap Net Zero Targets and Prioritize Fossil Fuels and Nuclear

On September 23, 2026, the Australian federal Coalition, through Opposition energy spokesperson Dan Tehan, released an eight-point energy plan that would repeal key Labor government climate policies within 30 days of taking office. The plan includes repealing the Climate Change Act 2022 to eliminate legislated net zero emissions targets by 2050, removing the safeguard mechanism on industrial emissions, scrapping the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, revoking four offshore wind energy zones, and lifting prohibitions on nuclear energy. It also proposes a renewable energy code of conduct, conditional Commonwealth energy funding to states based on affordability and reliability, and redirecting the Australian Energy Regulator's focus toward those priorities. The Coalition frames the policy around 'affordability, reliability and security,' arguing past policy has been driven by ideology rather than practical needs. Critics, including independent MP Monique Ryan and Labor figures, have labeled it 'dumb, dangerous and desperate climate denial,' while the Institute of Public Affairs welcomed it as aligning with their long-standing recommendations. This builds on the Coalition's earlier abandonment of net zero commitments in late 2025 amid internal divisions. The announcement came ahead of Tehan's address at the Australian Energy Nation Forum and as Australia prepares to lead COP31 negotiations.