Scrapping Net Zero to Reduce the Cost of Living

Cheaper. Better. Fairer.

Australia should be one of the cheapest and most energy secure nations on earth. Instead, we pay more for power and fuel. We face growing doubt about supply. Labor’s net zero plan is pushing up prices. It is hurting industry. It is putting fuel security at risk.

In just four years under Labor, electricity prices have risen up to 37%. Albanese and Bowen promised $275 bill cuts. Australians never saw them.

The Nationals will scrap net zero. We will bring back energy abundance using the fuels we already have. Coal, gas, oil and renewables. We will stop Labor’s reckless race to net zero. We will back smart options like nuclear. All energy types should work together. That is how we deliver Cheaper, Better, Fairer power.

Australia has huge natural strengths. We should use them to lower power prices. We should use them to build stronger industry. And to give real energy security to Australian families and businesses.

We do not believe in shutting down industries before replacements are ready. We do not believe in policies that drive up costs for families and businesses.

Energy should be a strength for Australia. Under Labor, it is a weakness.

Australia should do its fair share on emissions. But we should not be forced to move faster than other countries. Not at the cost of jobs, output and national strength. We need a more sensible path.

We support using each fuel type for its best fit. A modern economy has complex needs. All technologies should compete to deliver reliable and cheap power. That includes renewables, gas, nuclear, hydro and coal.

Australia’s nuclear ban is out of date and out of step with the world. More than 30 countries are considering, planning or building nuclear power programs. We have the largest uranium reserves in the world. Locking them up makes no sense. It only weakens our position.

The basic rule should be simple. If it is good enough for us to export, it is good enough for us to use. We sell our energy to rivals. Then we tie the hands of our own industries. That has to stop.

We oppose hidden carbon costs. They quietly raise prices for households, farmers, tradies and country businesses. That includes the Safeguard Mechanism, vehicle rules and disclosure burdens.

Our emissions goals should be Cheaper. Better. Fairer.

The Nationals’ plan will deliver:

• Affordable and reliable energy for households and businesses. We will reform energy rules and remove bans on fossil fuels.
• A fair and realistic emissions framework. We will remove hidden carbon pricing and compliance costs that push up prices.
• Emissions targets that are honest about what they cost and what they deliver.
• Strategic and industrial sovereignty. We will fast-track approvals for industries vital to national resilience. That includes fuel refining, fertiliser, metals, data infrastructure and defence.
• Support for exploration. We need to find new oil reserves and strengthen energy security.