A spokesperson stated, “We have previously mentioned that we won’t comment on opposition targets. We’ll review our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and short-term goals once we are in office.”

Recently, both the Liberal and National parties decided to remove their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 from their official platforms during party meetings.

“They’re abandoning climate initiatives because they fundamentally reject the science behind climate change,” she added.

Penny Wong emphasized that weakening climate goals would lead to higher energy costs for Australians and would be seen as dismissive of Pacific nations’ concerns.

During the first term of the Albanese government, an emissions reduction goal was incorporated into the regulations overseeing national electricity, gas, and related retail markets.

An emissions reduction objective was added to the rules governing national electricity, gas and related retail markets during the Albanese government’s first term.

The Opposition’s plan also talks up the importance of gas in Australia’s energy system, pledging to “drive new gas exploration and development across key basins including Beetaloo, Narrabri, Barossa, Browse, Cooper and Scarborough — bringing significant new supply online”.