Nationals agree to net-zero emissions target by 2050

The Nationals have backed a Coalition plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in an historic decision.

The breakthrough came in a vote this evening after the party's MPs and senators debated for more than two hours Prime Minister Scott Morrison's response to their demands.

The majority position was reached amid dire predictions from at least one.

"I don't think that people really realise when they hear net zero that means they want to transition you to be a vegan," Nationals senator Matt Canavan told Sky News.

It was accepted not everyone will sign up to the party's decision when the majority rules.

"We appreciate that there will be those that will oppose it and that's fine," Agriculture Minister David Littleproud told 9News.

"That's the culture of the Nationals Party. That's something we celebrate."

The Nationals say they want long-term policy guarantees that ensure agriculture and mining can continue to thrive in a low emissions world.

But most are shifting with the tide of opinion.

"To make sure we can give confidence to the Australian public and the global community that we are responsible citizens," Mr Littleproud said.

After the Sunday debate, Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce emerged to break the news.

"We are in support of a process going forward that would go towards the 2050 emissions target," Mr Joyce told reporters in Canberra.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese criticised the prime minister today, saying he was following, not leading.

"This is a government frozen in time as the world warms around it," Mr Albanese said.

But Mr Albanese is also adamant that the federal government shouldn't sign up to any international plan that bans coal-fired power by 2030, saying "we need to keep the lights on".

The Nationals say this is all about protecting their people.

"We've got to be honest with the Australian people, we've got to tell them how we're going to get there and who pays for it," Mr Littleproud said.