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SYDNEY, Australia — Even before the Copenhagen talkfest opened this week, a climatic wrangle cost an Australian political leader his job. Even before the expected international fallout from Copenhagen, Canberra is on alert for national electoral turmoil.

Jet-setting Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, having personally lobbied what seems like half the world's decision- makers, is pleased with whatever influences he has had in recent international sessions. At home he can justifiably take heart from the self-destructive forces engulfing climate change skeptics sitting on the opposition benches in Federal Parliament.

First to fall was opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull. The Sydney-based former merchant banker and barrister was ousted...