Mencari Today's Rundown

Liberal Party Recalls MPs for Emergency Climate Policy Meeting Amid Coalition Rift

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Liberal Party Recalls MPs for Emergency Climate Policy Meeting Amid Coalition Rift

Mencari Team

Nov 06, 2025

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Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day.

1️⃣ Liberal Party to Convene Emergency Meeting on Net Zero as Coalition Fractures

The Liberal Party will recall members of parliament to Canberra next Wednesday for a special party room meeting to determine its position on net zero emissions targets, according to internal party communications obtained Thursday.

The emergency session comes after the National Party, the Liberals’ coalition partner, voted to abandon Australia’s 2050 net zero commitment, creating a significant policy divide within the opposition.

Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said the party must “resolve our policy position very quickly,” adding she firmly believes Australia should “reject net zero in its entirety.”

However, the move has sparked concern among moderate Liberals who fear abandoning climate commitments could damage the party’s chances of reclaiming inner-city seats lost to independent candidates in recent elections.

Former Labor cabinet minister Joel Fitzgibbon characterized the situation as “diabolical for the Liberal Party,” noting that any viable opposition must present a coherent climate policy.

National Party Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie defended her party’s decision, citing research showing net zero policies harm regional Australia while asserting the Nationals fulfilled their obligation to represent rural constituencies.

The Liberal Party’s shadow ministry will formalize a position Thursday, followed by joint coalition negotiations over the weekend.

2️⃣ Opposition Attacks Government Over Freedom of Information Legislation

Shadow Attorney-General Andrew Wallace accused the government Thursday of rushing controversial Freedom of Information legislation through the House of Representatives, calling the bill “a bad sign for democracy.”

Wallace told reporters that every stakeholder except the public service has condemned the proposed legislation, which critics say would restrict citizens’ ability to access government documents.

“FOI is important because it enables not just the media, but citizens, ordinary citizens, to be able to ask questions of their government,” Wallace said before parliamentary bells interrupted his press conference.

The proposed reforms to Australia’s Freedom of Information Act have drawn criticism from transparency advocates who argue the changes would create additional barriers for journalists and members of the public seeking government records.

The government has not yet responded publicly to Wallace’s allegations. The bill passed the House of Representatives earlier Thursday and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Freedom of Information laws, established to ensure government accountability, allow Australians to request documents related to government operations and decision-making processes.

3️⃣ Federal Public Service Expands by 21,000 Workers as Opposition Questions Spending

Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in over a century as the 34-year-old democratic socialist defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Mamdani’s victory, built on a platform of rent freezes, fare-free buses, and universal childcare, generated the highest turnout for a mayoral race in at least three decades. More than 100,000 volunteers supported his grassroots campaign.

“Tonight against all odds, we have grasped it,” Mamdani told supporters in his victory speech. “We have toppled a political dynasty.” He directly addressed President Donald Trump, stating “to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”

The state legislator’s ambitious agenda addressing economic inequality has drawn concern from some business leaders and voices in the Jewish community. Trump endorsed Mamdani’s opponent and falsely labeled the mayor-elect a communist in final campaign messaging.

Republican campaign committees immediately launched attack advertisements linking vulnerable House Democrats in New York and New Jersey to Mamdani’s progressive politics. GOP strategists view his victory as a potential liability for moderate Democrats heading into 2026 midterm elections.

Mamdani will be sworn in January 1, making history as he assumes leadership of the nation’s largest city.

4️⃣ Veteran Political Journalist Criticizes Coalition Parliamentary Performance

Dennis Shanahan, one of Australia’s most experienced political journalists, described the current Coalition opposition as the weakest parliamentary performers he has witnessed in four decades of covering federal politics, according to reports published Thursday.

Former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon, who served in parliament for 26 years, said the assessment carries significant weight given Shanahan’s experience and his practice of observing Question Time from inside the chamber rather than on television.

“Being in the chamber really matters. You don’t really get a proper read on what’s happening on the floor of the parliament if you’re watching it on a television screen,” Fitzgibbon said.

The criticism comes despite the Coalition retaining several experienced former cabinet ministers, including Susan Ley, Angus Taylor and Dan Tehan.

Fitzgibbon noted that poor parliamentary performance influences press gallery journalists, which in turn shapes broader public opinion and media coverage.

“It’s not great for our parliamentary democracy,” Fitzgibbon said. “You want a contest on the floor of the House.”

The Coalition has not formally responded to the characterization of its parliamentary tactics.

5️⃣ Energy Minister Defends Renewable Rollout as Power Demand Debate Intensifies

Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres defended the government’s renewable energy transition Thursday while acknowledging significant challenges ahead, particularly regarding power demands from artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Ayres compared the renewable energy rollout to building the original Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme, describing it as nation-building work requiring “a sense of national spirit and progressive patriotism.”

The minister rejected suggestions that Australia should pivot away from its current renewable energy focus, arguing that coal-fired power remains the second most expensive form of energy and that “the lowest cost by a country mile is renewables plus gas plus storage.”

Opposition politicians have questioned the pace and feasibility of the renewable transition, with some calling for increased gas development and consideration of nuclear power options.

When pressed about whether the government’s approach adequately addresses future electricity needs, Ayres emphasized urgency while maintaining that returning to coal-based power generation would increase costs and undermine industrial competitiveness.

The government’s promised $275 reduction in electricity prices has not materialized without subsidies, a point opposition members frequently cite.

A cabinet review led by Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Resources Minister Madeleine King is examining gas market settings to ensure adequate supply for Australian industry.

Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis.

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