Mathias Cormann refuses to express confidence in Alan Finkel after climate criticism

Minister says Direct Action review just 'housekeeping' after chief scientist casts doubt on ability to meet emissions target

Mathias Cormann has refused to say if the Turnbull government still has confidence in Dr Alan Finkel after the chief scientist warned Australia would not meet its emissions reduction target under the Paris agreement with current federal policy settings.

"Look at our track record," Cormann told Sky News on Sunday. "People thought that we couldn't meet the 2020 emissions reduction target based on our policy settings and indeed we are exceeding those targets.