Josh Frydenberg hits the phones to keep government MPs in line over climate, Paris deal

Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has hit the phones to the Coalition backbench to calm growing concerns about the federal government's climate change review, and to stress the need for Australia to remain in the Paris agreement.

Minister for Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg
is calling backbenchers to shore up support for climate policy.

The calls were made after Fairfax Media last week revealed at least five government MPs wanted a possible re-think of Australia's commitment to the deal to reduce carbon emissions, after US President Donald Trump announced his country would quit the deal.

The move by Mr Frydenberg, who is allied with the conservative wing of the Coalition and who has been charged with overseeing reviews of the electricity sector and climate policy, underscores growing concern at the highest levels of the Turnbull government about new fissures opening up over the contentious policy area.

Malcolm Turnbull lost his job as opposition leader back in 2009 after a rebellion over climate policy led by Tony Abbott and the Prime Minister is keenly aware of just how sensitive climate policy remains inside the Coalition.

Read James Massola’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Josh Frydenberg hits the phones to keep government MPs in line over climate, Paris deal.”

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.”