It's been a huge couple of weeks in Australian politics. We've had a change of Opposition Leader, a reshuffle of the Coalition front bench and we're currently in the middle of critical global negotiations about the future of the planet.

The change in Liberal leadership wasn't simply about a policy disagreement. It's a rift that goes right to the heart of the tension between conservatism and liberalism within the modern Liberal party.  As Lindy Edwards wrote in The Age last week:

"climate change divisions are lining up with the broader ideological split . A commitment to hierarchy, compulsion and cultural conformity is knocking up against a belief in diversity, freedom, equality and choice. That is a hard divide to bridge."

Given how close the leadership vote was I suspect this story still has a long way to go. A very different Australian political landscape is still on the cards.

As for the front bench reshuffle, at least it proves Abbott has a sense of humour.