West Australian Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has urged his federal Liberal colleagues not to abandon their net zero emissions by 2050 target, warning that “only mugs” would ignore the lessons from two election defeats in WA.
Speaking on Radio 6PR, Zempilas said keeping a commitment to climate action was both “smart and sensible,” reflecting public expectations around protecting the environment.
“To turn your back on it completely would not be smart,” he said.
His remarks put him at odds with several federal Liberal figures, including Andrew Hastie and Ted O’Brien, who have withdrawn support for net zero as the party considers dropping the policy.
Zempilas, who narrowly retained his Churchlands seat in March, said recent election results showed voters cared deeply about climate issues. “I know what I saw in those elections,” he said.
The WA Nationals are also reviewing their stance following their federal counterparts’ decision to scrap the target.
