The Hunter's only federal Nationals MP says he won't be bribed to abandon his principles, as discussions continue for an agreement on net-zero emissions.
Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie has been involved with the discussions currently taking place within the Liberal-Nationals coalition.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is heading to the United Nations Climate Summit in Glasgow next week, and is eager to reach an agreement with the junior coalition partner so he can present Australia's plan for net-zero.
On Thursday, Mr Morrison will depart for a G20 meeting in Rome and then head to the climate summit in Glasgow, alongside leaders from advanced economies who have already pledged to meet the net-zero target by 2050.
Dr Gillespie says he doesn't want other countries dictating our industries and our people.
"People wont know what they've got until its gone. As the old song goes.
"We don't want to go along, in an attempt to improve the environment around the globe, we sign up and then we have all these rules being forced on us to shut down our industries.
"There is a global push coming out of the United Nations, through the major capital and financial markets and in the boardrooms to force penalties against industries and livelihoods that have fed, clothed and powered our regions, our state and the nation. We have to put some ring fencing around that because we don't want our cities to grind to a halt because we shut down these industries," Dr Gillespie said.
When asked whether he was pushing for something from the government in return for his support, Dr Gillespie says he can't be bought.
"I can't be any more specific than saying we are not asking for 40 pieces of silver to abandon our principles. We stand for strong regions who require employment and protection of our industries," Dr Gillespie said.
It's understood the Prime Minister is considering a regional economic package in an effort to sway the Nationals, which they will meet to discuss on Sunday.
