Most backbench Libs want a secret ballot on ETS

A MAJORITY of federal Liberal Party backbenchers want a secret ballot in the partyroom this week to resolve whether or not to pass an amended emissions trading scheme.

Two elder statesmen of the party, former president of the Senate Alan Ferguson and former Speaker of the House of Representatives David Hawker, have lent their support to the idea of a secret ballot, as has Mal Washer, a leading supporter of Opposition Leader Malcom Turnbull.

The Australian has spoken to most of the Liberal Party's 57 backbenchers, and can confirm that at least 29 of them are in favour of breaking from tradition and holding a partyroom secret ballot on the ETS.

Historically the federal Liberal Party does not use secret ballots other than for leadership showdowns. But with Mr Turnbull having laid his leadership on the line over climate change, a large number of Liberal MPs now want a secret ballot to resolve what has become a debilitating impasse for the party once and for all.

"The only way Malcolm will get an accurate reflection of the partyroom is with a secret ballot, " Mr Ferguson said.

"There is likely to be lingering bitterness if he doesn't let us have one. I'll certainly be asking for it."

Mr Hawker agreed a secret ballot was a worthwhile option so long as a majority of the partyroom was in favour of it.

However NSW senator Bill Heffernan echoed a number of MPs when he said a secret ballot for a policy issue was gutless. "You should have the courage of your convictions," he added.

Others said concerns over bullying and intimidation by Turnbull supporters were a reason for a secret ballot. "We criticise unions for not holding secret ballots to avoid intimidation. Surely in the Liberal Party we won't insist on a union-style show and tell on something as important as this," one senior Liberal said.

Mr Washer said he could see the value of a secret ballot and acknowledged it might be the only way for the party to move forward in a united fashion.