Teals blast Nats leader for ‘sowing division’ (19 June 2024)

Article summary: Teal MPs have criticised Nationals leader David Littleproud for creating division between country and metropolitan Australians regarding the transition to renewable energy. Littleproud implied that inner-city voters are out of touch with regional Australia, suggesting that the push towards renewable energy burdens the bush. He expressed concerns that while regional Australians ideologically support reducing emissions, the transition could harm their livelihoods and food security.

In response, teal independents, who won key Liberal seats in the last election, have united against Littleproud's claims. They assert that regional Australia should benefit from the clean-energy transition. Wentworth MP Allegra Spender emphasised the importance of unity and the necessity of the transition to combat global warming, criticising Littleproud’s comments for sowing division.

North Sydney MP Kylea Tink accused Littleproud of hypocrisy, highlighting his support for Santos's gas pipeline project across the Liverpool Plains, which faces opposition from farmers, while he criticises renewable projects supported by teal voters. Curtin MP Kate Chaney noted that climate change is already adversely affecting agricultural land.

Chaney's remarks underscore the broader argument that regional areas should not be pitted against metropolitan ones but should instead be included in the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. This debate occurs amid increasing political tension over climate and energy policies as elections approach, with the Coalition advocating for a slower transition from coal to nuclear power, supported by gas and carbon capture. The teal MPs' unified stance highlights their commitment to a cleaner energy future that benefits all Australians.

Related article: Dutton escalates climate war with ‘out of touch’ teals (11 Jun 2024)