Australia has rejected a statement of support for reform of fossil fuel subsidies after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made a last-minute call to break the news to New Zealand counterparts on Sunday night in Paris.

The statement, which was launched at the first full day of the Paris climate summit, will see almost 40 countries sign a communique committing to promote the phase out of inefficient government subsidies for the use of coal, gas and oil.

Organisers had hoped Australia would also get on board. But with rural and conservative MPs in the Coalition revolting back home in Canberra, Australia has decided not to put its name to the statement.