Marise Payne says net zero is government’s ‘broad position’ as she plays down Nationals’ climate revolt

Foreign affairs minister says net zero emissions target preferable by 2050 even as Liberals' coalition partner shoots down idea

Marise Payne has said that net zero emissions as soon possible and preferably by 2050 is the broad position of the Australian government", playing down claims by the Nationals their agreement wasn't sought or given for a net zero target.

In an interview on ABC's Insiders, the foreign affairs minister also said Australia's position matters because climate change is a key security challenge" for the Pacific and conceded that joint naval exercises in the South China Sea are at least in part directed at China over its human rights record.