澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2009-12-01（在线收听）

The Federal Liberal Party will this morning decide whether to force Malcolm Turnbull out of the leadership amid increasingly bitter divisions over climate change policy. The leadership ballot would be a three-way contest between Malcolm Turnbull, Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey. Each has a different position on the emissions trading scheme. Mr. Abbott says the legislation should be blocked.

"It would be a very sad Parliament and certainly a very misguided Opposition which simply wipes these things through."

Mr. Hockey indicated if he wins, he will give his colleagues a free vote on the legislation. Malcolm Turnbull's holding fast to his position. He insists he has the numbers to win.

The Prime Minister's held talks with the US President Barack Obama and has been briefed on his new strategy for Afghanistan. While the Obama administration is hoping for increase troop contributions from other countries, a White House spokesman says Australia won't be asked for more.

And the Reserve Bank board is expected to increase interest rates for a record third straight month today. Most economists are tipping a rise of 25 basis points, bringing the rate to 3.75%.

I'll be back with more news later. Bye for now.