 The spill was the culmination of a dispute within the Liberal Party over its response to the Rudd Government 's proposed emissions trading scheme ( ETS ) . Turnbull supported the introduction of an ETS and sought to negotiate amendments to government 's proposed legislation . Abbott came to represent many Liberal members of Parliament who were climate change sceptics or otherwise opposed the ETS . After Turnbull survived a spill motion ( a motion to declare the leadership vacant ) against his leadership in late November 2009 , Abbott declared his candidacy and a subsequent spill was moved on 1 December . Hockey — a moderate who had been a supporter of Turnbull 's position on the ETS — also stood . While Hockey had been expected to win , he was knocked out in the first round of voting . Abbott subsequently defeated Turnbull in the second round , 42 – 41 . 
