Anthony Albanese denounces 'lazy cynicism' of Nationals in appeal to NSW coal country

In Hunter Valley speech, Labor leader says National party denying energy alternatives and will cause Australia to 'drift back towards the 19th century'

Anthony Albanese will travel to New South Wales coal country over the weekend in an effort to persuade regional Australians that net zero by 2050 means opportunity for blue-collar workers and for farmers.

In an address to the country Labor conference in Singleton on Saturday, the Labor leader will blast the Nationals for engaging in "lazy cynicism" and for selling out regional communities by opposing action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.