Net zero emissions by 2050: Call for Resources Minister Keith Pitt to resign

Labor and even some Coalition MPs say Resources Minister Keith Pitt should resign for failing to get behind the bulk of his sector which wants to see the Government commit to net zero emissions by 2050.

Labor shadow resources minister Madeleine King, said it was “not tenable” for Mr Pitt to remain in his position as one of the key opponents to a net zero firm target, and he simply has “got to go”.

Ms King said it was vital Australia had a firm climate commitment and that many resources companies understood that.

Mr Pitt refusing to publicly back the sector meant that he was not the right person to remain in the job.

“It is not tenable for Pitt to remain as minister for resources when he openly stands against the resources industry’s efforts to decarbonise their operations and their products,” Ms King said.

“Every time I visit a mine site or meet with an extractives company, I’m told about the efforts being taken to reduce emissions throughout the sector. And the road to decarbonisation will create jobs and economic opportunities throughout the value chain.”

And Mr Pitt’s colleagues also told The West he should considering resigning.

“He should go. He clearly doesn’t agree and it’s not conducive to Cabinet solidarity,” one of Mr Pitt’s colleagues said.

Mr Pitt was relegated from Cabinet to the outer ministry in June when Barnaby Joyce returned as Nationals leader.