Tony Abbott takes time out

Prime Minister Julia Gillard can't count on a break from the relentless attack on her carbon tax when Opposition Leader Tony Abbott goes on holiday.

Mr Abbott announced on Sunday that he was taking a "long-planned, short break with my family".

In his absence, deputy leader of the federal Liberal party Julie Bishop and Nationals head Warren Truss will lead the opposition, Mr Abbott said in a statement.

"The Hon Julie Bishop and the Hon Warren Truss will ... continue the campaign against the Prime Minister's carbon tax," he said.