Tony Abbott urges Coalition to scrap net zero commitments entirely, put national security and prosperity ahead of emissions targets

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has delivered a blistering critique of the Coalition’s climate policy, warning his colleagues that maintaining any commitment to net zero risks destroying the nation’s economic and energy foundations.

Speaking to Sky News host Peta Credlin, Mr Abbott said the Coalition must stop trying to “out-green” Labor and instead offer a “clear alternative path” which puts national interests first.

“I’d be saying we should never put reducing emissions ahead of national security and economic prosperity,” he said.

“Frankly, reducing emissions is nice to do, but the net zero straitjacket is doing all sorts of damage to our country and we’ve just got to get away from it.”

Mr Abbott said the Coalition’s fear of alienating so-called teal voters had paralysed the party’s