The prospects are dimming for Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull to win his party's approval ultimately for a deal with the federal government on emissions trading this year, Liberal MPs say.
According to The Australian Financial Review, the consensus in the opposition yesterday was that the fight over the issue had been delayed rather than avoided.
Liberal MPs are adamant that "more than 10" opposition members oppose a deal with the government to ensure passage of the emissions trading scheme legislation before the Copenhagen climate change meeting in December.
These opponents will not support a vote no matter what the party ultimately decides, the Liberal MPs said.
"The only reason we are doing this is to save the Leader of the Opposition's hide," one Liberal MP told the meeting.
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