Australian opposition leader survives challenge

Supports Govt's carbon emissions cut :

AUSTRALIA: Australia's opposition chief Malcolm Turnbull survived a leadership challenge Wednesday prompted by anger over his move to support government cuts to carbon emissions.

Liberal Party MPs backed the former investment banker 48 to 35, rejecting a leadership contest after two days of fierce internal debate over legislation now before the Senate.

"Malcolm Turnbull leads the Liberal party with a very strong vote of confidence," party whip Alex Somlyay told reporters. "There was considerable applause at the result."

The challenge came after Turnbull said the opposition Liberal/National coalition would back carbon cuts of up to 25 percent by 2020, ahead of next month's global climate talks in Copenhagen.

The Liberal Party, which under prime minister John Howard held government from 1996 to 2007, has been wracked by deep divisions on environmental issues with many members declaring themselves climate-change sceptics.

Former cabinet minister Kevin Andrews, who put himself forward as a challenger, said the vote had sent "a clear message" that the Liberal Party harboured discontent with Turnbull's leadership.

CANBERRA, Wednesday, AFP