In a stunning display of internal discord, West Australian Liberal MP Ben Small has publicly called out his own party's environment spokesperson, Sussan Ley, over the Coalition's failure to establish a clear timeline for its net zero emissions policy.
Liberal MP breaks ranks on climate policy
The political rift emerged during a recent radio interview where Small, the member for the WA seat of Tangney, directly contradicted Ley's position that the party was "working through" its climate policy without committing to a specific deadline.
"I think we do need a timeline," Small declared, adding that "the community expects us to have a position on these sorts of things."
Policy vacuum creates political vulnerability
The public disagreement highlights the ongoing struggle within the Liberal Party to develop a coherent climate policy that satisfies both moderate and conservative factions. With the Albanese government aggressively pursuing its own climate agenda, the opposition finds itself under increasing pressure to present a credible alternative.
Small's comments represent a significant departure from the party line articulated by Ley, who has repeatedly avoided committing to a timeline for policy development. The West Australian MP's stance reflects growing concern among some Liberals that the party risks being left behind in the national conversation about climate action.
Western Australia's unique energy challenges
The public disagreement takes on added significance given Western Australia's distinctive energy profile. The state's economy remains heavily dependent on resource extraction, creating complex challenges for any emissions reduction strategy.
Small's willingness to break ranks suggests that some within the party believe the Liberals need to move more quickly to develop policies that address both environmental concerns and economic realities, particularly in resource-dependent states like WA.
As the climate policy debate intensifies, this public airing of internal differences signals potential trouble for the opposition's attempts to present a united front on one of Australia's most contentious political issues.
