The South Australian (SA) Liberal Party is facing intense scrutiny after a recent motion urging the federal party to abandon its net-zero emissions target by 2050. This move has sparked a fiery political debate, with accusations of extremism flying from both sides.

The SA Liberal State Council’s call to rescind the federal party’s net-zero policy has drawn sharp criticism from Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas, who labeled the SA Liberals as being overtaken by the “far and extreme right wing.” He accused the party of ignoring criticism and becoming increasingly entrenched in their position, stating, “They are putting their fingers in their ears and becoming more extremist.”

However, SA Liberal Party leader Vincent Tarzia has pushed back against these claims, asserting that the party remains committed to its core values: freedom, family, and aspiration. He defended the party’s right to engage in open debate on this crucial policy issue. The ongoing conflict highlights a significant rift within the Liberal Party over climate change policy and its implications for the future.

This clash underscores the deep divisions within the Australian political landscape regarding climate action and the challenges faced by political parties in navigating these complex and highly charged debates.