Former Clean Energy Finance Corporation chair Jillian Broadbent also thinks its "ridiculous" that states and territories have had to go out on their own to fill the federal policy vacuum.

"I don't think there's anyone who feels the current federal government believes in what they're doing," she told a virtual Global Race to Zero Summit on Thursday.

"They've been forced to go there, but I don't know that they believe that it's an absolute stimulus for the Australian economy and an area of national pride and activity that can be released."

She said Energy Minister Angus Taylor should shift his language to talk about "sustainability", as well as power reliability and affordability.

"(But) I don't think he can bring himself to do it."

Australia is one of a handful of countries that has not yet committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is working to finalise with the Nationals a plan he can take to the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow starting on October 31.

The junior coalition partner has demanded protection for rural and regional industry and jobs in exchange for support for a 2050 deal.

Ms Broadbent said the government had engaged in climate "greenwashing" to take credit for what others including the private sector and state governments had done.

She also warned Australia would become isolated on trade issues as other countries committed to significantly stronger climate measures.

"The pain is around the corner if we don't do something on this," she said.

Ms Broadbent chaired the CEFC, created in 2011 under the Gillard Labor government to drive investment in renewables, until 2017.

In 2019, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her services, including in corporate, financial and clean energy organisations.

Australian Associated Press