Up to 30 Liberals could cross floor on ETS

19 Nov 2009, 11:54 am   -   Source: AAP/SBS
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Arguments over an emissions trading scheme look set to temporarily split the coalition (AAP)

Arguments over an emissions trading scheme look set to temporarily split the coalition (AAP)

Up to 30 Liberal MPs and senators are set to defy their leader Malcolm Turnbull on emissions trading, one of the party's prominent climate change sceptics says.

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Up to 30 Liberal MPs and senators are set to defy their leader Malcolm Turnbull on emissions trading, one of the party's most prominent climate change sceptics says.

More than a third of the party would "probably cross" the floor of parliament to vote against the scheme even if Labor agreed to coalition amendments, backbencher Dennis Jensen said.

"I don't want to name them but there are 30 MPs," he said.

Coalition MPs and senators are expected to consider the outcome of negotiations presently underway with Labor when they meet in Canberra next Tuesday.

A Senate vote is expected late next week and any changes the upper house makes to the legislation will need the support of the lower house, where Labor has a majority.

MPs ready for revolt

In the Senate, Labor needs the support of at least seven Liberals to win parliamentary approval for its scheme.

Dr Jensen says frontbenchers opposed to an emissions trading scheme will probably vote with their leader but he predicts a rump of backbenchers will oppose the legislation.

"Quite a lot of them I have spoken to," he said.

While MPs and senators were readying themselves for a revolt against Mr Turnbull on emissions trading, no one was canvassing a change in leadership at this stage, Dr Jensen said.

That's because the most likely challenger, Joe Hockey, would need to declare his opposition to the legislation.

Meetings with Minister

"Hockey would need to make his position on that very clear."

Asked about the prospect of Tony Abbott leading the party, Dr Jensen said: "There's a possibility, who knows?"

Opposing an emissions trading scheme was the only way to ensure Liberal Party unity, he said.

A spokesman for the coalition's chief climate change negotiator, Ian Macfarlane, refused to comment on Dr Jensen's claims.

Mr Macfarlane is meeting Climate Change Minister Penny Wong on Thursday, with two meetings scheduled for Friday and a possible meeting on Sunday.

 

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