Peter Dutton has again opened up the climate debate by sowing confusion about the opposition’s stance on it – whether intentionally or by failing to make clear exactly what he means.

In an interview with the Weekend Australian, Dutton claimed the Albanese government “just have no hope of achieving the targets and there’s no sense signing up to targets you don’t have any prospect of achieving”.

So what exactly does this mean? Presumably, writes Michelle Grattan, it means opposing the 43% emissions reduction target to which Australia is committed under the Paris climate agreement. But Australia can’t just rewrite the target, so does that mean it would leave the Paris agreement? The opposition’s energy spokesman says no.

But they insist it’s unachievable, so what Dutton seems to be doing, Grattan says, is declaring the opposition would simply ignore the target, and pare back Australia’s efforts to meet it should they come to office at the next election.

Such a move would carry risks not only domestically, but on the international stage – once again, Australia would be a laggard on climate issues. “These days, with climate action written into various trade and security policies by other countries,” Grattan writes, “that could carry significant economic costs, if not sovereign risk”.

PS. Many thanks to those of you who have already given to our annual donations campaign. We know the cost of living is biting, but if you feel able to make a donation to help support our journalism, you can do so here.

​Contact us here to list your job, or here to list your event, course or podcast.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here