Albanese’s Oprah-style emissions target aims to please almost everyone but risks falling short on climate action

The prime minister has a stonking majority and a progressive crossbench that wants deeper cuts. So what has happened to lower the goal?

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The Australian government has announced an Oprah Winfrey-style emissions target for 2035. It has tried to promise (nearly) everyone a prize.

By choosing a target range of a 62% to 70% cut compared with 2005 levels - based on long-awaited advice from the Climate Change Authority and its chair, Matt Kean - it has opted for a political solution.