Malcolm Turnbull: Under-pressure Australia PM drops climate policy

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says his government has abandoned plans to set an emissions reduction target in legislation.

Mr Turnbull's U-turn alters a key plank of his signature energy policy, and follows a revolt by conservative MPs within his government.

It comes amid media reports that Mr Turnbull could face a leadership challenge if the issue is not resolved.

Mr Turnbull said the climate policy was not supported by all of his colleagues.

"In politics you have to focus on what you can deliver," Mr Turnbull told reporters on Monday.

The original commitment would have set in legislation Australia's pledge for a 26% cut in emissions, based on 2005 levels, by 2030.

Australia remains on track to meet its Paris climate accord commitments, despite the change in policy.

Mr Turnbull said he retained the support of party colleagues, including Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton - who is reported by Australian media outlets to be considering a leadership challenge.

Mr Dutton tweeted on Saturday that he supported the prime minister.

Hywel Griffith, BBC News Sydney correspondent

Down in the polls and desperate to hold on to his position, Malcolm Turnbull knows a leadership challenge could be near.

After all, it's only three years since he launched his own "spill" to oust former prime minister Tony Abbott.

Once a leader looks vulnerable, the political rumour-mill goes into overdrive and trusted Cabinet colleagues can start to look like rivals.

Choosing to back down on the emissions legislation shows that Mr Turnbull wants to avoid testing his support in a parliamentary vote.

Even if the current threat retreats, his authority has been damaged and his opponents have gained momentum.

Mr Turnbull said he would not proceed with the emissions target - part of his National Energy Guarantee (NEG) - because it had no prospect of passing through the House of Representatives, where he has only a slim majority.

He said the NEG would still require electricity retailers to cap their prices and provide more "reliable" streams of power.

"Cheaper power has always been our number one priority when it comes to energy policy," Mr Turnbull said.

Asked about leadership speculation, Mr Turnbull said: "I enjoy the confidence of the cabinet and of my party room."

Mr Abbott has been the most vocal of several government backbench MPs who have argued against legislating an emissions target.

Debates about energy and climate have been polarising in Australia.

In 2016, the entire state of South Australia lost power on one night, triggering a bitter feud between state and federal governments over blame.

Mr Turnbull has also faced increased pressure in recent weeks after losing a by-election in Queensland.