Opposition Leader Rejects Climate Target as "Cruel Hoax," Questions Government Credibility on Energy Promises
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Opposition Leader Sussan Ley dismissed the government's 2035 climate target as a failure of cost and credibility, declaring the Coalition does not believe in setting emissions targets while accusing Labor of delivering a "cruel hoax" on energy pricing promises.
Speaking at a manufacturing facility in Adelaide, Ley criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announcement of a 62% to 70% emissions reduction target, arguing it repeats past modeling failures that promised lower electricity bills but delivered significant price increases.
"The modelling so far has been a cruel hoax for every single Australian," Ley said. "Because I've sat in Parliament for three years and I've listened to excuse after excuse and I've heard an energy minister say there actually will be a $275 reduction to your power bill."
The Opposition Leader pointed to the government's previous promise of $275 electricity bill reductions that instead resulted in $1,300 increases, representing a 39% rise in energy costs for consumers.
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Coalition Rejects Target-Setting Approach
In a significant policy statement, Ley declared the Coalition fundamentally opposes setting emissions reduction targets, arguing such commitments lack real-world implementation strategies.
"We don't believe in setting targets at all from opposition or from government because the reality is that energy policy is not about a target that is never going to be reached and the 43% target is a perfect example of that," she said.
Ley argued energy policy should focus on engaging with businesses and energy sector professionals rather than establishing "notional targets" without demonstrating achievement pathways or costs.
"Energy policy is about visiting businesses like this one and talking to people who work in the energy sector, who deliver the energy grid, who understand the actual realities of the energy economy," she said.
Credibility Questions Over 2030 Target
The Opposition Leader highlighted the government's struggle to meet existing commitments as evidence of credibility problems with new targets.
"The announcement you heard yesterday is predicated on Australia meeting 43% as was legislated by this government in 2030. And clearly that's not going to happen," Ley said. "There's not an expert in Australia. There's not an analyst anywhere. There's not a person who runs a small business like John Seeley who knows that is not going to be achieved in a heartbeat."
She described current emissions performance as "flatlining" at 28%, the same level as when Labor took office, despite government promises of reduction.
"This government has delivered to this country a trifecta of energy failures. Prices are going up, reliability is going down, and emissions are flatlining. 28% when they came into government, 28% now," Ley said.
Cost of Living Impact on Family Planning
Ley referenced household survey data showing cost-of-living pressures affecting fundamental life decisions, including family planning among younger women.
"One thing concerned me in that survey, that women between the ages of 18 and 49 are saying that cost is a reason. They aren't considering having a child, or maybe a second or third child," she said.
The Opposition Leader linked these pressures to broader government economic management failures, arguing families lack confidence in the current economic trajectory.
"When families are looking at cost of living pressures that impact their life choices in such an important area as children, then we really can see that this government has failed in delivering the sort of economy that Australians can have confidence in," Ley said.
Business Cost Concerns
Ley highlighted industry estimates suggesting the government's climate commitments could cost consumers over $500 billion, questioning funding sources and taxpayer obligations.
"Well, business has said that the cost to consumers will be upwards of $500 billion. Now, that's huge. And I know that business leaders would be questioning where that funding is going to come from," she said.
The Opposition Leader expressed concern about potential taxpayer funding requirements while criticizing the government's failure to transparently address implementation costs.
Coalition Energy Policy Framework
Despite rejecting specific targets, Ley outlined the Coalition's energy policy principles emphasizing stability, reliability and affordability alongside international emissions reduction participation.
"Our energy policy will be built around the two fundamentals that I've described. And it's important that we recognise that if we have an energy policy built on those stable, reliable energy, affordable for households and businesses while we play our role in the global challenge of reducing emissions," she said.
The Opposition Leader confirmed ongoing policy development through a working group led by Dan Tehan, currently researching nuclear technology developments in the United States.
Nuclear Energy Considerations
Ley defended the Coalition's nuclear energy research, describing comprehensive consultation processes across party members and external experts.
"He's in the US at the moment, getting up-to-date information on the latest in nuclear technology. That group comprises members across the parliament, across our parties, and it's doing a lot of work, and it's hearing from experts," she said.
She contrasted this approach with the government's target-setting strategy, arguing thorough policy development should precede public commitments.
Electric Vehicle Policy Criticism
When questioned about Climate Change Authority projections requiring 50% electric vehicle sales by 2035, Ley criticized government tax incentives while supporting consumer choice.
"Consumers should be able to choose electric cars, and frequently they do. They shouldn't have a tax break, which is another discretionary expenditure in the budget that this government has got wrong and part of its problem with runaway spending," she said.
The Opposition Leader emphasized practical limitations for rural and remote Australians where electric vehicle infrastructure remains inadequate.
International Commitment Questions
Ley declined to specify the Coalition's position on Paris Agreement participation, instead emphasizing domestic policy priorities over international forum engagement.
"Well, I'll leave the future of the Paris Agreement to others. What I'm focused on is not what happens in the UN meeting in a couple of weeks. What I'm focused on is what is in the national interest of Australians," she said.
Manufacturing Sector Support
Speaking at a Sealy manufacturing facility, Ley praised Australian innovation and manufacturing capabilities while warning against policies that could undermine domestic production.
"We have a country that manufactures better in many respects than anywhere else in the region and the world when it comes to our innovation. And that's because of who we are and the great nature of Australians and the human capital we have here," she said.
The Opposition Leader emphasized the connection between energy policy and economic competitiveness, arguing reliable and affordable energy underpins manufacturing success.
"And energy is the economy. And that's why energy policy is so important. And that's why Australians are genuinely disappointed by what they see in the Prime Minister today," Ley concluded.
The press conference highlighted fundamental philosophical differences between major parties on climate policy approach, with the Coalition rejecting target-based strategies in favor of practical implementation focus.
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