Nationals ditch net zero as Liberals ponder policy

The Nationals have set up a possible showdown with their political ally the Liberals after unanimously agreeing to scrap their commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

The regional party argues Australia is doing more than its fair share to reduce carbon pollution, and emissions reductions should instead be tied to an average of similar countries within the OECD.

Leader David Littleproud said his party wasn't walking away from curbing greenhouse gas emissions or denying the existence of climate change.

"What we're saying is there's a better, cheaper, fairer way to address it," he told reporters in Canberra on Sunday.

The practical effect of the policy move would be to roughly halve Australia's annual emissions reductions.

MPs were briefed on a report from the Page Research Centre whi