Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has defended his “decisive leadership” on action to combat energy uncertainty, as he faces unrest within the Coalition over the government’s future plans for climate policy.
“What Australians need is wise leadership, not glib leadership,” Mr Turnbull said.
“What Australians need is economics and engineering, not ideology and politics.”
The discontent in the government's backbench comes after a lengthy party room meeting on Tuesday evening, called to consider a report by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel which recommended adopting a new clean energy target.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott led the charge with those speaking concerned that while Mr Finkel’s proposal doesn’t penalise coal, it incentivises low and no emissions generation.
Mr Abbott and Assistant Minister Craig Laundy exchanged stern words, and it’s been reported at least ten MPs opposed the proposal of a clean energy target.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce dismissed the robust discussion as anything other than how “proper democratic process” should work.
“People say, 'oh my gosh, they've let everyone say what they think, Hell will freeze over'. No, it won't, that's called democracy,” Mr Joyce said.
The debate has a sense of déjà vu about it because Mr Turnbull lost the Liberal leadership to Tony Abbott in 2009 over climate policy.
On Wednesday, Malcolm Turnbull backed his leadership and said it was important to get climate policy right.
Australians need 'wise' leadership: Turnbull
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"Let me tell you, glib answers and one-liners have been of no assistance in keeping Australians' energy secure and affordable," Mr Turnbull said.
"What Australians need is wise leadership, not glib leadership."
Having only received the Finkel report on Friday, Mr Turnbull denied public concerns within the party as a sign of failure, nor did he set out a timetable for when the government would finalise its policy decision.
Issues of leadership were "very premature" according to Treasurer Scott Morrison who said questions on the issue were placed for "New Idea' than they are for reporting of news.”
"What we are focused on is getting an outcome for the Australian people and we are working through that process in a very responsible and methodical way," Mr Morrison added.
Mr Morrison said the party meeting ended in a clear consensus that the status quo on energy policy could not continue, and a widespread acknowledgement of the good work Mr Turnbull and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg had done in consulting colleagues.
