Nationals Senator Canavan stands firm over zero emissions stance

Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan says thousands of Australian jobs could be at risk under any proposed zero emissions agreement.

Mr Canavan spoke with the Today Show this morning, saying any money promised by the Morrison government to keep jobs in the Australian coal industry safe wouldn't last and they needed to ensure job security for future generations.

"The biggest mining town in Australia is Brisbane. Over 100,000 people work in the mining industry in Brisbane. Perth is a massive mining town too. These jobs are all around the country. They're not just in the bush. They will be affected if we get this wrong," Mr Canavan told Today.

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When asked by Today host Karl Stefanovic if the Prime Minister even cared what the Nationals thought about the issue and whether they needed to "show the money", Mr Canavan said his party was "a small but determined group" who would keep fighting for job security in the local mining industry.

"The money is what attracts people, but that's not what this is about because this is about the next generation for us. The problem here is here is if money was on the table, it doesn't last in this game. You can't trust the government," Mr Canavan said.

"Show me the money, is that what you're saying?" asked Karl.

"No, Karl, that is not what has been dominating discussions. What is most important in the National Party is protecting these jobs and industries because that is the future of our regions, of our towns, our communities," Mr Canavan said.

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The Federal Government has pledged to cut Australia's emissions by 26 to 28 per cent compared to 2005 levels by 2030.

Scott Morrison will be attendng the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in less than two weeks where he will propose Australia's plans to the rest of the world.

The conference will run from October 31 until November 12.

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