I think we are beginning to see the governments strategy against Abbott's (yet to be released) climate change policy.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the Opposition's new climate change policy will be funded by a "mega tax" on Australians.

The governments seems to be coming out on the offensive to try and frame the debate - before the opposition releases their policy.

Abbott has a couple of issues that will work against him.

1. Although there is some scepticism in the public over climate change, the rejection by the opposition on the ETS will work against them in the eyes of those who do believe in AGW
2. Abbott came out very strongly saying that they would have a policy that does not have any "new taxes or tax increases".

So his problem (as I see it) is that he has to work out how to solve a problem his party does not believe in, by something that will not involve any tax (or form of increase). To reduce carbon emissions the price of carbon must be increased. There is no other way. How does he do this without alienating those who deny AGW whilst at the same time not alienating those who do.

Will Abbott respond to the "mega" tax accusation with a "super mega" tax response?

We wait to see what Abbott comes up with.