Australia's government may finally reach an agreement on its carbon trade scheme next week after months of deadlock. The government aims to start carbon trading in July 2011, covering 75 percent of emissions. However, laws governing the scheme have been delayed due to opposition from rival lawmakers. Negotiations between the government and the main opposition bloc are ongoing to secure the necessary votes to pass the carbon laws. Opposition negotiator Ian Macfarlane is optimistic about reaching a deal. Macfarlane expressed confidence that an agreement acceptable to the party room could be reached, which would likely receive their support. Negotiations on the laws introduced in the Senate on Tuesday will continue throughout the week and into the weekend. The opposition is expected to vote early next week on whether to support or reject the laws. The government has already agreed to permanently exclude agriculture, which makes up 16 percent of Australian emissions, but the opposition is seeking further concessions for coal miners. The Senate defeated the carbon trade bills in August, and if they are rejected again this month, it could lead to an early election. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is pushing for the 11 bills to be passed before the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The Senate is set to adjourn on Nov. 26, but Rudd is willing to extend the sitting if necessary. The opposition coalition is divided over climate policy, with leader Malcolm Turnbull promising lawmakers a chance to approve or reject any deal with the government. This division was evident during a recent opposition party meeting, where 10 lawmakers insisted on voting against the scheme regardless of any negotiated amendments. However, a party spokesperson stated that more than 10 lawmakers supported Turnbull's policy to negotiate changes. Turnbull, who is lagging behind in opinion polls, is aiming to reach a deal to prevent an early election. The government is lacking seven seats for a majority in the Senate. Junior Climate Minister Greg Combet expressed concerns on Tuesday about opposition divisions posing the biggest threat to the carbon trade scheme, which is a key component of Rudd's plan to combat global warming. Combet informed parliament that the coalition is clearly divided, with the Nationals pursuing their own agenda and the Liberal and National parties in disagreement on the issue of climate change. The carbon debate in Australia is attracting attention from abroad, especially in the United States and New Zealand, where lawmakers are also discussing emissions trading laws. For detailed articles on carbon risks and opportunities in Australasia, visit Carbon Central - Australia's Climate Change Hub. This platform brings together top climate change experts and solution providers in one place. For more news and analysis on global carbon markets, sign up for the free Carbon Interactive newsletter.