Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has paid tribute to Malcolm Turnbull as a principled politician who made a difference by standing up for his beliefs.
Mr Rudd acknowledged the former opposition leader's support for an emissions trading scheme, something that ultimately caused a rift in Liberal ranks and cost Mr Turnbull his job.
"Malcolm is a bloke who stood up for what he believed in on the question of the environment and water and climate change," Mr Rudd said in Cairns, after his old opponent announced he'd quit federal politics at the next election.
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Rudd wishes Turnbull well
"I believe he made a difference by standing up for his principles, as opposed to just running after the next opinion poll.
"I would say to Malcolm I wish him well, I wish his family well for the future and I'm sure he will make a further contribution to Australian life."
Tony Abbott replaced Mr Turnbull as opposition leader last December after Liberal MPs baulked at the member for Wentworth's support for an emissions trading scheme.
