Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has declared it is in Australia’s interest to back global climate targets as he makes the economic case for a 2050 net zero emissions goal.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison insists the government has made no commitments despite mounting expectation the target will be locked ahead of a major conference in November.
Mr Frydenberg will make an online speech to major employers on Friday, warning access to capital could be at risk if Australia opposes a shift to a cleaner economy.
Ahead of the address, he said Australia could not afford to be left behind while markets adapted to climate change.
“I certainly see it in our interest, being part of these global agreements. Many countries – over 100 – have agreed to net zero,” he told the ABC.
“We’re making progress internally in respect to that target.”
Mr Morrison was asked if the treasurer’s address amounted to the government making a decision to back the 2050 goal.
“If Australia had made such a decision, I would have announced it,” he told reporters in Washington DC.
“It’s Australia’s ambition to move towards and to achieve net zero as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050.”
Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce signalled his party’s support would be conditional on guarantees of jobs being protected and power prices kept affordable.
“I’ve got no problems with any plan that does not leave regional areas hurt,” he told ABC radio.
The deputy prime minister warned soaring gas prices in the UK showed the problems of renewable energy not delivering enough power.
Australia has become increasingly isolated over its refusal to adopt a 2050 net zero emissions goal.
While an increasing number of moderate Liberals have urged the prime minister to adopt the target, Nationals and other conservative MPs oppose the move.
Mr Frydenberg will also send a message to banks, super funds and insurers about the need to continue investing in high-emissions sectors like mining, agriculture and manufacturing.
“If you support the objective of net zero, do not walk away from the very sectors of our economy that will need investment to successfully transition,” he will tell the Australian Industry Group.
The treasurer believes it is wrong to assume traditional sectors like resources and farming will face a decline during the economic transition.
“It’s a long-term shift, not a short-term shock.”
The Morrison government is under immense international pressure to commit to more ambitious emissions reduction targets ahead of a major United Nations conference.
Mr Frydenberg warns reduced access to capital markets could impact interest rates on home and small business loans, along with the viability of major projects.
“Australia has a lot at stake,” he will say.
“We cannot run the risk that markets falsely assume we are not transitioning in line with the rest of the world.”
AAP
