Mon | Jan 12, 2026

Australia senate rejects climate change plan

Published:Wednesday | December 2, 2009 | 9:08 AM

Australia\'s Senate has rejected a bill on the government\'s flagship climate change policy for a second time.



Two opposition senators crossed the floor, but it was not enough to secure passage of the Emissions Trading Scheme to reduce greenhouse gases.



The vote came a day after the opposition Liberal Party ousted leader Malcolm Turnbull, who had promised to back the bill.



Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard said the bill will be resubmitted next year.



Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had hoped to have the legislation passed by next week\'s Copenhagen summit on climate change.



He had secured opposition backing from Mr. Turnbull, but his party revolted and replaced him with climate sceptic, Tony Abbott yesterday.



The Liberals went on to oppose the bill and it was voted down by 41 votes to 33 in the Senate.