MALCOLM TURNBULL has embraced a more conciliatory tone on climate change policy, conceding that Tony Abbott's alternative scheme, which he once ridiculed as ''bullshit'', had positive aspects and could work in the short term.

Mr Turnbull, who has reversed his decision to quit politics, complimented the Coalition policy during a speech to the NSW Bar Association last night.

The speech followed a tough day for Mr Abbott, who came under government attack and internal criticism for telling voters not to believe everything he says.

The government, which has been under pressure over its own broken promises, including the abandonment of the emissions trading scheme, moved to turn the tables on Mr Abbott, accusing him of watering down two policy commitments after his revelation on truth the night before.

Mr Abbott, who previously mooted lifting the means test Labor placed on the baby bonus and family tax payments, said yesterday the Coalition would now keep the means test because the budget could not afford to remove it.