Rebel MPs urge Peter Dutton to abandon Paris Agreement after Trump’s withdrawal, calling it “an absolute joke.”

Rebel Liberal MPs are calling on Peter Dutton to withdraw Australia from the Paris Agreement, referring to it as “an absolute joke.”

The push follows US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to exit the agreement, which has drawn attention from critics of the climate change deal, including Senators Alex Antic and Matt Canavan, who see it as a validation of their views.

The Paris Agreement, implemented in 2016, seeks to limit global warming.

However, critics argue that given Australia’s minimal carbon emissions contribution, its commitments are unjustifiable.

According to Antic, Australia should reconsider its position, especially in light of the US withdrawal and its own energy crisis.

Senator Canavan has emphasised that remaining in the agreement will impose increasing costs on Australia while reducing investment prospects. He suggested that the exit of the largest economy will hinder Australia’s competitiveness and questioned the benefits of participation in a pact from which significant emitters like China do not adhere.

Peter Dutton has indicated a possible shift away from the 2030 emissions targets under the Paris Agreement, citing unachievable goals. While the Coalition claims commitment to the Paris Agreement, substantial tensions have arisen within the party regarding its future direction on climate change policy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has characterised Dutton’s actions as regressive concerning climate efforts, stating that Dutton is turning away from necessary climate actions.