Backbench forces Josh Frydenberg into humiliating climate policy backdown

Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg
 has a fine line to walk on climate policy.

Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has been forced into an humiliating U-turn on climate change policy less than 48 hours after releasing details for a pending review.

After two days of vocal opposition from the Coalition backbench, the minister has shelved plans for a review of the direct action climate policy next year to examine whether to introduce an emissions intensity scheme for the electricity industry - a form of carbon pricing.

It is understood skittishness in the government leadership group led to the idea being dropped on Tuesday.

It follows Fairfax Media reporting on Monday, based on an interview with Mr Frydenberg, that the long-awaited review would consider such a scheme while focusing on limiting electricity price rises, maintaining energy security and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Read the story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Backbench forces Josh Frydenberg into humiliating climate policy backdown.”