Deputy Nationals Leader David Littleproud is hosing down Senator Matt Canavan’s comments on net zero emissions, defending his colleague as an “authentic” politician.

Labor has seized on the comments, after Senator Canavan declared the net zero carbon target “dead”.

That’s despite the Coalition agreeing to the target.

Mr Littleproud says his comments are “nothing new” and described him as a principled politician.

“In the National Party, we don’t put people down because of a diversity of ideas,” he said.

He says Senator Canavan is “authentic” in his views.

Press PLAY below to hear more of his thoughts on the renewed rift in the Coalition

A Current Affair reporter Dan Nolan says it was “quite extraordinary to see” just weeks out from an election.

“This is going to be really, really costly for the coalition in a lot of these inner city seats that they are trying to hang onto that they are facing some pretty tough battles from the new independent candidates.

“The Nats coming out now and blowing up this commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, it’s going to be disastrous in these seats.”

Press PLAY below to hear his reaction + why it could be ‘disastrous’ for the Coalition