Nationals’ party room may vote to oppose Turnbull government’s key energy policy

THE NATIONALS’ party room has demanded changes to the Turnbull Government’s key energy policy, the National Energy Guarantee, ahead of Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg taking it to COAG.

THE NATIONALS’ party room has demanded changes to the Turnbull Government’s key energy policy, the National Energy Guarantee, ahead of Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg taking it to COAG.

It is believed between 8 to 12 Nationals MPs and senators have indicated they disagree with the NEG, with many vowing to cross the floor if the legislation is introduced.

Josh Frydenberg with business leaders meeting with coalition backbenchers over the National Energy Guarantee in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Difficult position... Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

The dispute inside the Nationals puts Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack in a difficult position.

He is understood to be trying to maintain support for the policy among Nationals MPs, however he may not have the authority or numbers to override the dissent growing in his ranks.

It is understood there was a Nationals planning day on Sunday where the NEG and support for coal were discussed, among other policies.

Nationals sources told The Daily Telegraph assistant minister Keith Pitt met with Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg last week to discuss his concerns about the NEG.

It comes as Liberal MPs Craig Kelly and Tony Abbott have indicated they would be prepared to cross the floor to oppose any legislation on the NEG.

If the Turnbull Government has Labor’s support on its energy policy, the protest vote would not hinder the passage of the legislation.

However, if the entire Nationals party walked away from the policy, this would pose a difficult problem for the Turnbull Government