By Maeve Bannister in Canberra

AN outspoken Liberal backbencher fears “inertia” over a proposed climate policy will result in Australia being no closer to reducing emissions.

The clock is ticking for the federal government to pass a key election promise to reduce emissions but negotiations are still under way to get it over the line.

The lower house is set to vote on the government’s proposed changes to the existing safeguard mechanism, with an aim to pass the bill through parliament by the end of the sitting fortnight.

Proposed changes to the mechanism would apply to the country’s 215 biggest polluters and force them to reduce their emissions by almost five per cent a year until 2030.

Companies not able to meet the targets would be forced to buy carbon credits to offset their emissions.

But the government is yet to secure the support needed to pass the changes through the Senate, after the coalition said it would not back the plan.

Liberal MP Bridget Archer indicated she might go against her party and support the mechanism, despite her concerns about the changes.

She told parliament she feared inertia over the mechanism would lead Australia nowhere.

Ms Archer also expressed her exasperation with party’s decision not to engage in negotiations with the government on amendments.

She said all parties should be engaging in good faith, but did not think that had occurred.

“Our communities have an expectation that we as parliamentarians should collaborate and improve what is put in front of us,” she said on Wednesday.

“We should not just support or oppose it for political purposes but instead seek to adjust the legislation to get the best outcomes for our communities.”

The backbencher said she would be watching the Senate closely for the amendments and consider her voting position.

The Greens want the government to make a commitment to stop opening new coal and gas mines in exchange for their support for the mechanism.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said there was still time to get the details of the mechanism right.

“Taking action on climate means dealing with the question of coal and gas. Not just saying it can all be offset but actually ensuring that pollution in this country does not go up,” he said.

“We are prepared to work with the government to develop a scheme that actually sees pollution go down.”