Academics say their net zero costing is being ‘misrepresented’ after Nationals repeat $9tn claim

<p>Researchers behind report cited by some in the Coalition say their work is based on various assumptions – largely involving cost to overseas customers, not Australians</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/nov/05/australia-politics-live-nauru-deportations-labor-greens-coalition-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-nationals-leadership-net-zero-question-time-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/sign-up-for-the-clear-air-australia-environment-newsletter-with-adam-morton?CMP=cvau_sfl">Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here</a></p></li></ul><p>University energy researchers say their modelling of the economics of Australia reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions – used by the Nationals and some Liberal MPs as part of a justification to drop the goal – has been misrepresented.</p><p>The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, has repeatedly claimed that reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions would “cost Australians $9tn”, pointing to the work of Net Zero Australia (NZA).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/05/academics-criticise-misrepresented-costing-of-net-zero-after-nationals-repeat-9tn-claim">Continue reading...</a>