A key meeting on federal energy policy has ended in fresh Government division, with a group of backbenchers failing to support the National Energy Guarantee (NEG).

Business leaders tried to convince Coalition MP’s to back their own government’s policy but the backbenchers maintain changes are needed, including new investment in coal-fired power.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott maintains he will cross the floor to oppose the government’s signature energy policy if changes aren’t made.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz says he’s “confident the Coalition will be able to come to a good landing in relation to our energy policy”.

He tells Ben Fordham the final decision comes down to the “details”.

“The devil is always in the details with these matters so I’m looking forward to receiving all the details to ascertain whether the National Energy Guarantee, fully fleshed out, will ensure that the Australian people pay less for their energy and have a reliable source of energy.”

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