I move:

That this House:

(1)Notes that the previous New South Wales Liberal-Nationals Government adopted a net zero by 2050 target for New South Wales.

(2)Notes that net zero and the New South Wales Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap remain Labor and Liberal-Nationals policy.

(3)Condemns efforts to undermine this bipartisan position.

Up until now in New South Wales we have enjoyed bipartisan support for net zero and for our energy transformation through the energy road map. That plan is not just supported by those opposite but was created by them. It was introduced in 2020 in this House under the former Coalition Government by Matt Kean, the former Minister for Energy and Environment, and is supported by this Labor Government. That bipartisanship is important. It provides certainty for the business sector to invest in the renewables projects we need as coal-fired power retires. It also provides certainty to replace the energy we need before our ageing coal-fired power stations retire. However, the NSW Nationals now appear to be abandoning that commitment and bipartisanship, which is a very sad thing.

The Nationals are putting at risk the overwhelming support for the 2020 Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap legislation and the multipartisan support for the 2023 climate change Act. Those important reforms put New South Wales on the path to a safer, more prosperous future. It is a genuine shame to see The Nationals retreating from the measures they supported in the past. Today I call on members to condemn efforts of the Liberal-Nationals Coalition to undermine this bipartisan position. Walking away from this commitment risks exposing the regional communities they claim to represent to the worsening impacts of climate change that we are already seeing. It also risks robbing regional New South Wales of the benefits that come with reaching net zero. Right now, billions of dollars of investment are pouring into the State. Businesses are racing to invest in renewable energy, but also other economic opportunities like clean tech, low‑carbon products and green manufacturing. The Government and renewable energy providers are investing hundreds of millions into benefit sharing with local communities.

Now The Nationals want to rip out all those benefits. Which projects do they want to cancel in the Central‑West Orana Renewable Energy Zone? The gymnastics fit-out at the Wellington PCYC, the new lighting at Dunedoo Sports Club, the rejuvenation of the Burrendong botanic garden, the local men's shed program, the early intervention hub at Mendooran Preschool, the key worker housing in Mudgee, or perhaps the water treatment plants in Dunedoo and Coolah? I could go on and on. Contrary to The Nationals' claims that farms are being replaced with solar farms, the transformation of the State's energy system is bringing huge benefits to regional New South Wales. The Leader of The Nationals, the member for Dubbo, knows this very well. Recently he posted on Facebook, welcoming the $900,000 investment in the Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum. He wrote, "Thank you, EnergyCo"—feel free to quote that from the member for Dubbo. It is remarkably sensible but, sadly, out of character to celebrate the wins together.

Members on this side of the House would like to know whether net zero still remains Liberal-Nationals policy or do The Nationals intend to walk away from net zero and the investment and prosperity it will bring? Labor wants farmers to be able to keep growing crops and raising livestock to feed New South Wales and the world. We want them to have diverse income streams. Labor wants prosperous and safe communities, especially in regional areas, that are resilient to fire, drought and flood. Members have just heard those arguments put by members opposite. That is what reaching net zero means. It baffles and infuriates me that The Nationals do not seem to want that too. It is ludicrous.