But he doubted Mr Rudd would ''do anything'' in response and believed the Coalition would still vote against the legislation.

Mr Tuckey doubted Mr Turnbull could secure party-room support even for an amended scheme.

''I will keep my powder dry. My fundamental position has always been that an emissions trading scheme is not the answer to the problem.''

Mr Turnbull warned yesterday the Coalition would still vote against the Bill if the Government ''ignored these legitimate concerns and insists on a vote on its ETS in its current form''.

These centred on the scheme's impact on the agriculture sector, electricity prices and incentives to promote energy efficiency in buildings and to encourage individuals to take action.

Australian workers, small businesses and industries should be afforded the same protection as their US counterparts would receive under the Waxman-Markey Bill still before Congress.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times