Labor's Richard Marles won't rule out supporting new coal developments

Deputy leader says market should be allowed to make its own decisions and coal will play a part in the economy for decades

Labor's deputy leader has not ruled out the party supporting new coal developments, saying it would be a decision for the markets despite previously declaring it would be a "good thing" if the thermal coal market collapsed.

In a somewhat difficult and at times awkward interview with David Speers on the ABC's Insiders program, Richard Marles struggled to articulate the difference between Labor's coal policy and the Coalition's, stating "coal will continue to play a part within our economy for decades to come", while demanding the government do more on climate policy.