Frontbencher Darren Chester warns Nationals not to sideline themselves in climate debate

Federal minister says regional Australia is ‘not just about farmers’ and party must represent diverse views

Victorian Nationals MP, Darren Chester, has warned his party to listen to its diverse heartland and be “part of the solution” when it comes to practical environmentalism and emissions reductions rather than “sideline ourselves from big debates”.

The federal veterans’ affairs minister used an interview on Sky News on Thursday to push back at National party colleagues who declared they would cross the floor if the prime minister, Scott Morrison, tried to legislate a mid-century net zero commitment.

Related: National party ministers pour cold water on Australia's push for net zero emissions by 2050

Related: UN global climate poll: ‘The people’s voice is clear – they want action’