Leaked Coalition talking points direct MPs to argue dumping net zero does not conflict with Paris agreement | Coalition

Coalition MPs are expected to argue that the decision to abandon the net zero emissions target is “entirely consistent” with the Paris agreement, despite leaked documents suggesting the opposition is aware such a stance could conflict with Australia’s obligations under the climate pact.

Guardian Australia has obtained talking points to MPs to help them stay on message about Sussan Ley’s new energy and emissions plan, which was finalized on Sunday after months of bitter infighting.

Coalition MPs took very different approaches to communicating the plan, with moderates who lost the fight to maintain a net zero emissions target – including Dave Sharma, Tim Wilson, Andrew Bragg and Julian Leeser – choosing to ignore it on their social media channels.

The opposition has pledged to abandon the net zero emissions target but remains in the Paris agreement, allowing MPs to argue that the coalition has not abandoned climate action.

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The Paris Agreement sets a global goal of carbon neutrality in the second half of the century and does not require countries to set net-zero emissions targets.

However, the agreement requires signatories to gradually increase their emissions reduction targets to “reflect their highest possible ambitions” with each new five-year target, meaning countries cannot scale back their existing commitments.

A future coalition government would therefore be in default of Australia’s obligations if it abandoned the target of net zero emissions by 2050 and canceled the Albanian government’s targets for 2030 and 2035, as it plans to do.

The leaked talking points prepare MPs to face several questions about the Paris agreement, including whether it is “contradictory to drop net zero in 2050 while remaining in Paris.”

“There is no contradiction. The Paris Agreement is based on a national choice,” the suggested response reads.

“Australia will stay in Paris. We will continue to reduce our emissions. But we will do so in a way that keeps electricity affordable for families already under pressure. This is entirely consistent with Paris and it is the right decision for our country.”

The document poses several potential follow-up questions about how the position squares with Paris’s demand to constantly increase targets, indicating that the Coalition is attentive to scrutinizing this apparent contradiction.

Asked how a future coalition government might abandon Labor’s goals, MPs are advised to respond: “Paris is not demanding that Australia copy Labor. Paris is demanding that Australia contribute.”

The directive emphasizes that Paris is a “collective agreement, not a contract with penalties”.

“Countries are encouraged to put forward their highest possible ambition. Our view is that the highest responsible ambition Australia can offer is one that keeps energy costs low, protects jobs and pursues responsible emissions reduction,” he said.

Guardian Australia asked Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan if he stood by the assertion that abandoning a net zero emissions target was consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement.

“As detailed in the talking points, the answer is yes,” a spokesperson said.

After the first talking points were circulated following Sunday’s meeting, an updated version was distributed to preempt questions about financing coal-fired power plants.

Moderate Liberal MPs were seething on Sunday after politics left the door open to using taxpayers’ money to support coal-fired power plants through a “technology-neutral” capacity investment program.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan used the policy to renew his calls for new coal-fired power stations to be built.

In an interview on Monday evening, Ley said a coal project could be subsidized under the Coalition plan “if it comes to fruition” – but stressed no such proposal was on the table.

When asked whether taxpayers could support new coal projects, MPs are advised to respond: “If a private investor wishes to propose any project, they will need to demonstrate that it provides affordable energy, is commercially viable and complies with the rules of the scheme. »

“There is no blank check and there are no plans to build new coal-fired power plants,” the document states.

Ley has made nearly 30 media appearances since Sunday’s announcement, pursuing the case that abandoning the goal of net zero emissions and pursuing “energy abundance” — including with coal and nuclear — would lower electricity prices for households and businesses.

Industry groups and energy experts have disputed that claim.

Suggested lines handed out to lawmakers have left some confused and frustrated as they wonder how to sell — or defend — the policy to voters.

“You could argue that this policy brings together all parts of the coalition,” said a coalition MP.

“No one seems convincing about anything.”