Rudd backs Turnbull`s carbon stance

Kevin Rudd has come to the aid of beleaguered Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull by
publicly urging coalition MPs to back an agreement on emissions trading.
The prime minister on Sunday appealed to "all fair-minded conservatives" to
transcend politics.
Mr Turnbull is having difficulty holding the coalition together during negotiations
with Labor over legislation setting up the carbon pollution reduction scheme.
His predicament wasn't helped by Nick Minchin on Friday when the senior Liberal
frontbencher indicated the coalition might still vote down the scheme even if the
government accepted all opposition amendments.
"Senator Minchin's comments are deeply disappointing," Mr Rudd told reporters in
Canberra on Sunday, adding the government had entered into good-faith negotiations
with the opposition.
"I'd appeal to those on Mr Turnbull's backbench, and some of his frontbench, to make
sure that we have every possibility of delivering an agreement."
Mr Turnbull would not be drawn on media reports Nationals Senate leader Barnaby
Joyce intends walking away from the coalition because of personal criticism with the
Liberal Party.
Senator Joyce has led opposition to emissions trading inside the coalition,
threatening to cross the floor in the upper house when the government's legislation
is presented a second time later in November.
Senator Joyce said his critics should have the courage to state their views in public.
"I'm not going to engage in a debate about that in the media," Mr Turnbull told
Network Ten on Sunday, adding he dealt with coalition colleagues "one on one and
privately".
"Every senator is able to vote ... according to their conscience, we respect that in
the coalition."