A parliamentary inquiry will for the first time examine why Australia should commit to a net zero emissions target by 2050.
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The House of Representatives' environment committee has agreed to examine two bills put forward by independent MP Zali Steggall.
The private bills would lock in the target, which has been accepted by many other nations as well as business and environment groups.
The Morrison government says it's in favour of the target being reached some time in the second half of the century, but insists the specific target should not be locked in without being able to prove how to get there.
"I encourage all businesses, organisations and individuals to make a submission to the inquiry so that we can demonstrate to government and parliament the need for this legislation," Ms Steggall said.
"The climate change bills give the Australian parliament an important and timely opportunity to end the climate wars and commit to meaningful legislation, as the UK did in 2008."
Liberal chair of the committee Ted O'Brien said the inquiry would assess information "with dispassionate independence before drawing conclusions".
Australian Associated Press
