Australians reject net zero targets, polling claims

In new polling from the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), some 79% of Australians said they want the re-elected government to shift its energy policy focus to affordability and reliability.

Just 21% said they'd like to see emissions reductions in line with 2050 targets prioritised. While this is slightly up compared to last year (19%), it is a marked decline from 2022 when 28% said this.

Further, 58% of respondents said Australia should pause its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 until we have enough energy supply to avoid blackouts.

In terms of funding, nearly 50% said they'd personally be unwilling to pay anything to help make net zero a reality.

Twenty-six percent said they'd be willing to pay $50 a year towards the transition, while 19% said they'd pay $100 a year. Just 5% are apparently willing to spend $500 a year on the initiative, while only 2% said they would pay more.