Key facts
- Angus Taylor plans to repeal climate and energy policies within a month of election.
- The proposed bill would remove safeguard mechanism and nuclear prohibitions.
- Vehicle emissions standards would be scrapped.
- The legislated net zero by 2050 target would be removed.
- Four of six offshore wind energy zones would be revoked.
- Critics argue the plan would increase energy costs and climate risks.
Australian opposition leader Angus Taylor has vowed to repeal a raft of emissions reduction and renewable energy policies within a month of being elected prime minister, prompting accusations he would "let climate change rip." On Wednesday, Taylor’s energy spokesperson, Dan Tehan, announced a new bill would be introduced to parliament within 30 days after a Coalition win at the next federal election to ensure affordable, reliable and secure energy to Australians. The bill contains a package of eight previously announced opposition policies. These include removing the safeguard mechanism and nuclear prohibitions, both introduced by past Coalition governments. Additionally, the plan would scrap vehicle emissions standards, remove the legislated net zero by 2050 target, and revoke four of six offshore wind energy zones. It also proposes introducing a renewable energy code of conduct for developers and changing the Australian Energy Regulator’s main focus to affordability and reliability. Taylor stated, “Australia has done its bit,” and that lower-emission technologies would emerge for Australians to choose. Energy Minister Chris Bowen countered that the plan would take a “chainsaw to the economy and household budgets” and “make Australia poorer, weaker and less secure from global shocks.” He argued the Coalition's plan to "stop renewables and household batteries" would leave households to "pick up the bill of global shocks." Kooyong MP Monique Ryan and acting Greens leader Mehreen Faruqi also criticized the proposal. Gavan McFadzean, head of political advocacy at the Australian Conservation Foundation, stated that "You can’t be anti-renewables and pro-energy reliability, because renewables with storage is the most reliable and affordable form of energy, while nuclear is the most expensive and would need to be publicly funded." Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie described the announcement as "pure ideology" and "deadly negligence." Farmers for Climate Action spokesperson Peter Holding called giving up on pollution reduction "crazy."