This week, the Liberal Party officially scrapped a net-zero target – a move widely expected, but out of line with public opinion and science.

It also raised questions about Sussan Ley’s handling of the policy debate, and ultimately about her leadership.

As the right faction of the Liberal Party celebrates its victory, speculation continues about whether Ley will keep her job. There’s also the question of how the Liberals can ever hope to win an election when key electorates and voting blocs have made it clear they want action on climate change.

Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on the Liberal Party, the climate – and the killing season to come.

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