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Former PM Tony Abbott Calls Labour's Net-Zero Energy Plan 'Literally Insane'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 14:29 GMT by Sky News Australia

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Former PM Tony Abbott Calls Labour’s Net‑Zero Energy Plan “Literally Insane” as the Coalition Rethinks Its Own Path

In a scathing critique of the Labor Party’s energy strategy, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned that the coalition’s potential pivot away from a net‑zero agenda could be a “necessity” for Australia’s energy security and job market. The former Liberal leader took the stage at the annual “Coalition Climate Summit” on Monday, blasting Labor’s 2050 net‑zero target as “absurd” and threatening a “massive energy crisis” if it is pursued without a solid backup plan.

Abbott’s speech, streamed live on the coalition’s official YouTube channel and shared widely on social media, was largely a rebuttal of the Labor government’s 2024 policy brief that promised a “green transition” built around a mix of renewables, nuclear, and a “carbon budget” framework. He accused Labor of underestimating the costs of a rapid shift away from fossil fuels and overpromising on the reliability of renewable generation.

“Labor is promising us an instant transition to 100% renewables, but the reality is that we will be left with blackouts, soaring electricity bills, and a collapse of coal and gas jobs. This is literally insane,” Abbott said, holding up a printed copy of the policy brief to a small audience of senior coalition MPs and industry lobbyists.

The speech comes at a time when the coalition is reportedly re‑examining its stance on the net‑zero target. An internal policy review, conducted by the coalition’s “Future Energy Taskforce,” has identified several “critical uncertainties” around the feasibility of a 2050 net‑zero goal, particularly with respect to the energy mix, the required grid upgrades, and the economics of large‑scale battery storage. According to a leaked memo, the taskforce has been “increasingly skeptical” about the policy’s cost projections, suggesting a “more pragmatic approach” that prioritises “energy security and economic stability.”

Abbott’s remarks dovetail with the coalition’s own statements released earlier in the week. “The coalition is exploring a revised strategy that incorporates a gradual shift to low‑carbon sources while safeguarding jobs and ensuring the grid remains reliable,” said a spokesperson for the Liberal Party. “We are committed to a ‘transition with a purpose,’” the spokesperson added.

The article on Sky News Australia includes several links to additional resources that provide context for the debate:

1. The Labor Party’s Net‑Zero 2050 Policy Brief – This document outlines the government’s vision for a carbon‑neutral economy by 2050, including a 35 % reduction in emissions from the 2005 baseline and a pathway that heavily relies on renewable energy, nuclear power, and a “carbon budget” system that would allow emissions caps to be adjusted annually. The policy brief, published by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, is cited as the source of Abbott’s criticisms.

2. The Coalition’s Future Energy Taskforce Report – A leaked report summarises the coalition’s concerns about the economic and technical feasibility of a net‑zero transition. It highlights the need for a more realistic timeline and an increased focus on “energy security.” The taskforce’s findings are referenced by Abbott and the coalition spokesperson, and the link directs readers to a PDF hosted on the Liberal Party’s internal website.

3. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) 2023 Forecast – A link to the AEMO’s forecast for the Australian electricity market is provided to support Abbott’s claim that renewable generation alone cannot guarantee a stable supply. The forecast shows projected renewable penetration at 30 % by 2035 and highlights the grid’s vulnerability to weather‑dependent supply shortages.

4. Climate Institute’s “Coal and Gas in Australia” Report – The article cites a study by the Climate Institute that argues coal and gas will remain essential for Australia’s energy mix until at least 2050, due to the current lack of cost‑effective renewable and storage solutions for peak demand periods. The report’s link leads to a downloadable PDF detailing the methodology and assumptions behind the claim.

5. Labor’s “Green Jobs” Programme – The article references a link to Labor’s initiative aimed at creating 500,000 green jobs by 2030. Abbott criticises this plan as “unrealistic” and highlights the mismatch between the projected job numbers and the actual capacity for renewable installation in the country.

The Core of Abbott’s Argument

Abbott’s primary contention is that Labor’s net‑zero plan is “driven by ideology rather than feasibility.” He points to several key issues:

• Grid Reliability – Abbott cites the AEMO forecast, arguing that a sudden spike in renewable generation could destabilise the grid, leading to blackouts. He notes that Australian consumers have already experienced grid reliability problems in 2023, particularly during heatwaves.

• Cost Overruns – He highlights the risk of “cost spirals” in renewable and battery projects, referencing the Climate Institute’s report. Abbott warns that a rapid shift away from coal and gas could drive up electricity prices, especially for low‑income households.

• Job Losses – He criticises the Labour policy’s assumption that green jobs would replace coal and gas jobs “one‑for‑one.” Abbott stresses that the skill sets required for renewable and battery work differ markedly from those used in coal mining and gas production.

• Nuclear Exclusion – The Labour policy includes nuclear power as a key element of the 2050 target. Abbott opposes nuclear expansion, citing safety concerns and the lack of a domestic nuclear industry that could deliver on the promised capacity.

• Net‑Zero Timing – Abbott argues that the 2050 target is too ambitious, especially given Australia’s current energy infrastructure and the need for long‑term investment in grid upgrades and storage. He calls for a “phased approach” that balances ambition with realism.

Coalition’s Response

While Abbott has framed his critique in a combative tone, the coalition’s spokesperson stresses that the party is open to “constructive dialogue” with the government. They argue that the coalition’s internal review is not a rejection of net‑zero, but a call for a more “pragmatic transition.” The spokesperson emphasised that the coalition is “committed to a cleaner, lower‑carbon economy,” but wants to avoid the “economic shock” that Abbott warns of.

The article ends by summarising that the debate is part of a larger national conversation about Australia’s climate strategy. With the next federal election looming in 2025, both the coalition and Labor are expected to intensify their policy pitches to win over voters in a country that remains split on the speed and scale of its energy transition.

Bottom line: Tony Abbott has taken a hard line against Labor’s net‑zero plan, claiming it’s unrealistic and will cost jobs and stability. The coalition, meanwhile, is weighing a shift toward a more measured transition. The Sky News article, with its linked resources, provides a multi‑angled view of the policy debate, from technical feasibility to economic impacts. As the political landscape shifts, the energy debate will likely remain at the forefront of Australia’s policy agenda.