Tony Abbott is still Australia’s Prime Minister, avoiding a leadership spill this morning thanks to Liberal MPs denying an attempt to push him out by 61 votes to 39.
Chief Whip Philip Ruddock told reporters the results outside the Liberal party room shortly after the vote, which Mr Abbott is said to have described as a “near-death experience.”
“The Liberal Party has dealt with the spill motion and now this matter is behind us,” Mr Abbott said in a statement.
“We want to end the disunity and the uncertainty which destroyed two Labor governments, and give you the good government that you deserve.
“We think that when you elect a government, when you elect a prime minister, you deserve to keep that government and that prime minister until you have a chance to change your mind.”
Mr Abbott said that the Government’s focus would be on creating a stronger and more secure nation.
Although Mr Abbott remains in position for now, the fact around 40 per cent of the party room were willing to see him step down does not bode well for his future. It is expected Mr Abbott could soon be seeing a second attempt to see him removed.
The latest Newspoll, taken for The Australian during the weekend, revealed the Prime Minister’s approval rating had hit a record low of 30 per cent and had hit the worst ranking for any PM since Paul Keating’s 28 per cent low in 1994.
The poll, taking into account the opinions of 1,178 people, saw Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull receive a lead of 64 per cent to 25 per cent over Mr Abbott, while Liberal Party Deputy Leader Julie Bishop was placed in front of Mr Abbott 59 per cent to 27 per cent.
While leadership leanings appear to be far from stable, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Council of Trade Unions said the focus should be on getting the economy back in order.
“This morning’s vote has left the Prime Minister in place, and it is important now that the government gets on with the job of running the country. The business sector expects the Government to operate as a team and for all members to work together to boost our national prosperity,” Kate Carnell AO, CEO of the ACCI, said.
“Recent political instability has been poisonous for business and consumer confidence, leaving businesses more reluctant to undertake job-creating investment and consumers reluctant to make major purchases.
“The focus must now shift to the federal Budget in May, when the Government needs to put the national finances on the road to a surplus. Improving the state of the Budget involves growing the economy, through supporting the expansion of businesses, as well as prudent savings measures. It is essential that the Budget be seen as both fair and in the national interest.”
Ged Kearney, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said regardless of who is Prime Minister, the Government’s priority should be on the country’s growing unemployment.
“Unemployment is higher than 6 per cent and forecast to increase over the next two years – reversing this trend must be the first priority for the 2015-2016 budget,” Ms Kearney said.
“With low interest rates and low public debt, the Government should be investing more, promoting growth and creating jobs – not imposing the sort of austerity measures we saw in last year’s budget.”
