Tony Abbott refuses to rule out voting against Turnbull Government's energy policy

Tony Abbott has again refused to rule out crossing the floor of Parliament and voting against the Turnbull Government's signature energy policy. 

Mr Abbott admitted it would be a "very big step" for a one-time prime minister and Liberal leader. 

"But let's face it, Malcolm Turnbull crossed the floor on an energy policy issue, having been our party leader," he told Sky News. 

"And in the Liberal tradition, it's not a mortal sin to cross the floor if you feel strongly enough about an important issue. 

"That said, I agree, for a former prime minister and party leader to cross the floor would be a big step. 

"But, on the other hand, we shouldn't be asked to support policies which are really policies for the Labor premiers, as opposed to policies for the party room. 

"It's been pitched to win the support of the Labor states. It's been designed to create a king of politically correct climate change consensus. 

"The best way to win an election is to create a contest. Not to create a consensus with your political opponents."

Mr Abbott, and others within the coalition, oppose the National Energy Guarantee, because they believe it shuts out future coal-fired power generation and is too green.

According to the former prime minister, the policy is designed to reduce emissions, not power prices. 

"I just think that's wrong. The so-called National Energy Guarantee is all about reducing emissions," he said. 

"It's an emissions reduction policy. It's not a price reduction policy. 

"The first priority is to get prices down. The second priority is to keep the lights on. 

"And if we are able to reduce emissions, that's an added bonus. 

"It gets the priorities absolutely upside down and that's why I've got enormous difficulties supporting it." 

The policy will be thrashed out at a meeting of energy ministers tomorrow, and also be discussed at the coalition party meeting next Tuesday. 

Mr Abbott expects "vigorous discussions" next week.

"There are a lot of people who have a very strong view," he said.