NextFin news, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, called for an end to the ongoing climate policy debate within the Coalition, urging members to focus their efforts on holding the Labor government accountable for its climate policies. Ley made the remarks amid growing internal tensions over the Coalition’s approach to climate change ahead of the next federal election.
Speaking in Canberra, Ley highlighted that the Coalition’s internal disagreements over climate strategy were distracting from the broader political objective of challenging Labor’s climate agenda. She emphasized the importance of presenting a united front to voters and criticized Labor’s performance on key climate commitments.
"We need the Coalition to stop fighting amongst ourselves on climate and instead focus on Labor’s failures," Ley said. "Australians want to see credible, cost-effective climate policies, not infighting that undermines our ability to hold the government to account." She pointed to Labor’s unmet promises, including the $275 power bill cut by 2025, the target of 82 percent renewables by 2030, and the 43 percent emissions reduction goal by 2030, stating that Labor had either failed or was failing on these fronts.
Ley’s comments come as the Coalition grapples with divisions between members who support stronger climate action and those opposing net-zero targets. The internal debate has intensified following the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment earlier this month, which outlined significant risks posed by climate change to Australia’s environment and economy.
Coalition figures such as Nationals Senator Matt Canavan have publicly opposed net-zero policies, further highlighting the rift. Ley’s call aims to redirect attention from these internal disputes to a more cohesive opposition strategy targeting Labor’s climate record.
Political analysts note that Ley’s appeal reflects a strategic move to consolidate the Coalition’s messaging and improve electoral prospects by focusing criticism on the incumbent government’s climate policies rather than internal disagreements.
The Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has defended its climate agenda, citing increased emissions reduction targets and investments in renewable energy. Labor officials have dismissed Coalition infighting as a distraction from the urgent need for climate action.
As the federal election approaches, the climate policy debate remains a central issue in Australian politics, with both major parties seeking to convince voters of their capacity to manage the country’s climate future effectively.
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