Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce to introduce bill seeking to end net zero 'disgrace', force national energy debate
Mr Joyce has been a long-time critic of the pursuit of net zero emissions, arguing it risks the nation's energy security and worsens household cost of living pressures.
Following the Coalition's loss at the last federal election, the Nationals MP has become more vocal in his push for both major parties to drop the "crazy crusade for net zero".
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has so far remained non-committal when quizzed on whether she would change her party's approach, while Labor has insisted its renewables-led agenda is the best path forward for Australia.
As a result, Mr Joyce told Sky News he felt compelled to introduce a bill so the nation could "see where we (politicians) vote" and force a debate about the future of Australia's energy policy.
"Look, I'm a realist. I don't think it gets support, but I think it's important for the Australian people understand exactly what is before you," he said.
"I've been fighting for this for so long, but I think it's got to a point. We've actually got to say: 'Okay, let's see where we vote, or more to the point, if you don't even want to vote'.
"You're so courageous about the about the climate, but you won't even had the debate in the parliament."
In a nod to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to Beijing, Mr Joyce claimed the pursuit of net zero was creating a national security risk by impeding Australia's ability to respond to threats in the region.
"You have to understand that one of the most dramatic challenges for our capacity for our sovereignty is is China," he said.
The Nationals MP argued net zero had "de-industrialised Australia", both robbing it of the ability to attract investment and shorn defence capability.
Both factors, he suggested had significantly weakened the nation's ability to stand up to Beijing, as well as resist its influence.
Returning to the likelihood of his bill's success, Mr Joyce reiterated he did not expect to garner much support in the parliament.
However, he claimed the true "disgrace" of net zero was the continued lack of debate over the policy, as he pressed for MPs to allow his bill to be read and discussed in the House.
"I'm hoping that the people who are so courageous, so emboldened with their virtue about changing the temperature of the globe... I want to see if they have that condition that goes all the way to their desire for the Parliament of Australia to have the debate about net zero," he said.
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