Candidate challenges climate ‘consensus’

Nicklin Family First candidate Philip Eschler. “Unrealistic targets” are making the situation worse, not better.

Family First candidate Philip Eschler set himself apart from the pack regarding climate change during discussion at the Meet the Candidates event in Yandina last week.

In response to a question from Labor Party member Daniel Wilson on whether the candidates believed in climate change and supported current renewable energy targets, Eschler was the only candidate to voice opposition, diverging sharply from the others.

“I don’t support it,” Eschler said, explaining his concerns about the sustainability of the targets and the economic impacts of transitioning to electric vehicles and green energy. “We are trying to make everything electric ... It can’t be sustained.”

Eschler argued for a return to common sense in addressing climate change, asserting that “unrealistic targets” were making the situation worse, not better. He said forcing a rapid transition away from fossil fuels without proper alternatives would create chaos, especially for those least able to afford electric vehicles and higher electricity bills.

While candidates from Labor, the Greens, Legalise Cannabis Queensland, and the LNP backed the targets, Eschler argued that current energy policies were unrealistic and would drive up costs for everyday Australians. “Power costs were supposed to go down with green energy, but they’ve just gone up. How’s that sustainable?” he asked.

His position was in contrast to the support expressed by Greens candidate Sue Etheridge, who said she would like the targets to be even more ambitious, and Labor incumbent Rob Skelton, who affirmed his support for the legislation.