Australia should "seriously consider" aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, a federal government MP says.
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Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman says the nation has already committed - through the Paris agreement - to net zero emissions, but the government hasn't set out a timeframe.
"If we can do that by 2050 then it's something that we should be seriously considering," he told the ABC on Thursday.
The ongoing climate debate has ramped up again within the coalition after the deadly bushfire season.
Moderate Liberals are calling for more action while others, most notably Nationals from Queensland, downplay the role of climate change towards the fires.
Mr Zimmerman insists he has a "very constructive" working relationship with his colleagues.
"My approach will always be to work within the government for a particular outcome," he said.
"If I think it needs a public nudge then I'll give it."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sought to provide a policy middle-ground for the coalition, by focusing on a technology target to reduce emissions without signing up to the net zero by 2050 goal.
It comes as Labor leader Anthony Albanese prepares to give a climate policy-focused speech on Friday.
Labor frontbencher Penny Wong says Australia has already signed up to achieve net zero emissions.
"The cost of not acting to meet this target is far greater for Australia than the cost of acting," she told the ABC.
"So we have a very big self-interest in making sure we take action on climate change as a nation, towards a net zero emissions target that Australia and the world have signed up to."
Australian Associated Press