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Malcolm Turnbull pressed on Nationals deal and marriage equality – politics live Malcolm Turnbull pressed on Nationals deal and marriage equality – as it happened
(about 3 hours later)
8.46am BST08:468.46am BST08:46
So long good peopleSo long good people
Well that’s day one in the new age of liberalised disruption characterised by policies that either cost a bomb or are quite stupid but let’s not get hung up on things like a mob of pedants.Well that’s day one in the new age of liberalised disruption characterised by policies that either cost a bomb or are quite stupid but let’s not get hung up on things like a mob of pedants.
Given the epic nature of that viewing experience, I think that’s about as much politics as any sensible person can take for Tuesday.Given the epic nature of that viewing experience, I think that’s about as much politics as any sensible person can take for Tuesday.
Let’s take stock of events today, and ponder their meaning.Let’s take stock of events today, and ponder their meaning.
Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull
Tony AbbottTony Abbott
Bill ShortenBill Shorten
That’s today. Much more ahead. Ministerial reshuffles. Cabinet. Christopher Pyne as defence minister. You would not be dead for quids. Thanks for your company. Gabrielle Chan will be back with you and the sparrows for Wednesday.That’s today. Much more ahead. Ministerial reshuffles. Cabinet. Christopher Pyne as defence minister. You would not be dead for quids. Thanks for your company. Gabrielle Chan will be back with you and the sparrows for Wednesday.
Have a great evening.Have a great evening.
8.15am BST08:158.15am BST08:15
Bridie Jabour on Lucy Turnbull, the prime ministerial spouse.Bridie Jabour on Lucy Turnbull, the prime ministerial spouse.
Malcolm’s match intellectually, business-wise and in wit, Lucy has a long history of public service and commercial success, independent of her husband and also as half of a hyper-successful partnership which has at times extended beyond the personal and into business.Malcolm’s match intellectually, business-wise and in wit, Lucy has a long history of public service and commercial success, independent of her husband and also as half of a hyper-successful partnership which has at times extended beyond the personal and into business.
8.09am BST08:098.09am BST08:09
Stephen Koukoulas is looking ahead. When the ministerial reshuffle comes, and when the economic debate restarts once again, it’s a very big task waiting for Malcolm Turnbull and the likely new treasurer, Scott Morrison.Stephen Koukoulas is looking ahead. When the ministerial reshuffle comes, and when the economic debate restarts once again, it’s a very big task waiting for Malcolm Turnbull and the likely new treasurer, Scott Morrison.
You can read that blog post in full here.You can read that blog post in full here.
Here’s a taste.Here’s a taste.
The prime minister, and his likely new treasurer, Scott Morrison, take over the economic levers at a time when economic growth is sluggish, unemployment is high, real wages are falling and consumer and business confidence are weak. Add to that a still-hefty budget deficit and escalating government debt and the picture of the economic challenge for Turnbull and his new team is stark. This is especially the case when the next election is just a year away where the economy will almost certainly be the dominant issue for voters.The prime minister, and his likely new treasurer, Scott Morrison, take over the economic levers at a time when economic growth is sluggish, unemployment is high, real wages are falling and consumer and business confidence are weak. Add to that a still-hefty budget deficit and escalating government debt and the picture of the economic challenge for Turnbull and his new team is stark. This is especially the case when the next election is just a year away where the economy will almost certainly be the dominant issue for voters.
7.59am BST07:597.59am BST07:59
Mike Bowers has been as frantic as ever. Little sequence here for you this afternoon.Mike Bowers has been as frantic as ever. Little sequence here for you this afternoon.
Am I pulling this off? Malcolm Turnbull’s first day in the big chair.Am I pulling this off? Malcolm Turnbull’s first day in the big chair.
We’ve got the water! Warren Truss, the king is dead, long live the king.We’ve got the water! Warren Truss, the king is dead, long live the king.
Ancestors, keeping a close eye on the hijinks.Ancestors, keeping a close eye on the hijinks.
7.51am BST07:517.51am BST07:51
Gazette Notice for the swearing in of @TurnbullMalcolm as Prime Minister of Australia #libspill #auspol pic.twitter.com/s33BmhrMUsGazette Notice for the swearing in of @TurnbullMalcolm as Prime Minister of Australia #libspill #auspol pic.twitter.com/s33BmhrMUs
7.33am BST07:337.33am BST07:33
Speers points Christopher Pyne to reports hat he could be defence minister after the reshuffle. Is he into defence?Speers points Christopher Pyne to reports hat he could be defence minister after the reshuffle. Is he into defence?
I’ve always had a keen interest in history and military matters. You only have to read my book, A Letter to My Children, published by Melbourne University Press.I’ve always had a keen interest in history and military matters. You only have to read my book, A Letter to My Children, published by Melbourne University Press.
He never gives up, this man.He never gives up, this man.
7.28am BST07:287.28am BST07:28
Speers puts it to Pyne that Cory Bernardi has remarked that the leadership change is treachery.Speers puts it to Pyne that Cory Bernardi has remarked that the leadership change is treachery.
Christopher Pyne:Christopher Pyne:
I think Cory is a boutique senator in many respects.I think Cory is a boutique senator in many respects.
7.26am BST07:267.26am BST07:26
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah Medhora
When asked by David Speers if he is willing to say who he voted for, Christopher Pyne replied:When asked by David Speers if he is willing to say who he voted for, Christopher Pyne replied:
Well I’m not, actually. I’m a very close friend of Tony Abbott, and very loyally served him... and I also served Malcolm Turnbull when he was leader ... I don’t see a great deal of benefit from hauling over the coals of who voted for who.Well I’m not, actually. I’m a very close friend of Tony Abbott, and very loyally served him... and I also served Malcolm Turnbull when he was leader ... I don’t see a great deal of benefit from hauling over the coals of who voted for who.
7.23am BST07:237.23am BST07:23
The manager of government business, Christopher Pyne is on Sky News. He’s declining to say who he voted for in last night’s leadership ballot. He thinks he’s too senior to answer pesky questions like that.The manager of government business, Christopher Pyne is on Sky News. He’s declining to say who he voted for in last night’s leadership ballot. He thinks he’s too senior to answer pesky questions like that.
7.21am BST07:217.21am BST07:21
Splits between the Nationals and the Liberals on the effects testSplits between the Nationals and the Liberals on the effects test
Speaking as we were of the Nationals, and effects tests – spies in the red chamber inform me that the Nationals just crossed the floor in the Senate to support a Greens motion.Speaking as we were of the Nationals, and effects tests – spies in the red chamber inform me that the Nationals just crossed the floor in the Senate to support a Greens motion.
Just for the record, the Liberals voted against.Just for the record, the Liberals voted against.
Senator Whish-Wilson: To move that the Senate—Senator Whish-Wilson: To move that the Senate—
(a) notes that(a) notes that
(i) the Harper Review into competition policy called for the introduction of an effects test in relation to the misuse of market power,(i) the Harper Review into competition policy called for the introduction of an effects test in relation to the misuse of market power,
(ii) supporters for the introduction of an effects test include the National Farmers‘ Federation, and the newly-formed Independent Business Alliance for Competition made up of the Council of Small Business Australia, the Australian Retailers Association, Fresh Markets Australia,the Australian Newsagents‘ Federation, the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association and the Master Grocers Association, and(ii) supporters for the introduction of an effects test include the National Farmers‘ Federation, and the newly-formed Independent Business Alliance for Competition made up of the Council of Small Business Australia, the Australian Retailers Association, Fresh Markets Australia,the Australian Newsagents‘ Federation, the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association and the Master Grocers Association, and
(iii) the National Party unanimously passed a motion at its National Conference calling for the introduction of an effects test; and(iii) the National Party unanimously passed a motion at its National Conference calling for the introduction of an effects test; and
(b) calls on the government to bring forward legislation that amends Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to introduce aneffects test so as to better protect farmers and small business owners from anti-competitive conduct.(b) calls on the government to bring forward legislation that amends Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to introduce aneffects test so as to better protect farmers and small business owners from anti-competitive conduct.
7.16am BST07:167.16am BST07:16
Some reader feedback on the ‘sure it’s a boondoggle’ shtick.Some reader feedback on the ‘sure it’s a boondoggle’ shtick.
Acute, this observation.Acute, this observation.
@murpharoo Hmm, this formulation offended him when it applied to the establishment of a broadband network.@murpharoo Hmm, this formulation offended him when it applied to the establishment of a broadband network.
7.12am BST07:127.12am BST07:12
Leadership with conditions attached: now for the hard yardsLeadership with conditions attached: now for the hard yards
If Labor set out in that question time to make the point that this was the same old government with a more friendly figurehead, it made some progress.If Labor set out in that question time to make the point that this was the same old government with a more friendly figurehead, it made some progress.
Malcolm Turnbull showed the perimeters of his cage. He had to back in direct action (a policy he’s said publicly is a dog), he had to back in the plebiscite on same sex marriage and the timing (currently post election, and of course Turnbull would like that to happen sooner), and he had to take questions on precisely what he’d given to the Nationals in order to secure a new coalition agreement (water has gone to the Nationals and that’s a very big deal.)Malcolm Turnbull showed the perimeters of his cage. He had to back in direct action (a policy he’s said publicly is a dog), he had to back in the plebiscite on same sex marriage and the timing (currently post election, and of course Turnbull would like that to happen sooner), and he had to take questions on precisely what he’d given to the Nationals in order to secure a new coalition agreement (water has gone to the Nationals and that’s a very big deal.)
The only territory where Turnbull expressed personal freedom was on his Dorothy Dixer on national security. Australia’s new prime minister was of course very vigilant when it came to national security, but for the first time sentiments were expressed in low key language. We know, courtesy of a speech he gave the Sydney Institute earlier this year, Turnbull thinks this debate needs to be toned right down.The only territory where Turnbull expressed personal freedom was on his Dorothy Dixer on national security. Australia’s new prime minister was of course very vigilant when it came to national security, but for the first time sentiments were expressed in low key language. We know, courtesy of a speech he gave the Sydney Institute earlier this year, Turnbull thinks this debate needs to be toned right down.
Some of the ‘back-in-the-inherited-nonsense’ formulations were funny if you happen to speak Canberra. Sure, that direct action costs a bomb and is hideously complex but it works, so why worry? (The jury is still out on whether the expensive and complex policy does work in fact, but marks for trying.) Same with the plebiscite. The Turnbull wink was sure this is expensive but the party room is already locked in. What can a poor same sex marriage supporter do?Some of the ‘back-in-the-inherited-nonsense’ formulations were funny if you happen to speak Canberra. Sure, that direct action costs a bomb and is hideously complex but it works, so why worry? (The jury is still out on whether the expensive and complex policy does work in fact, but marks for trying.) Same with the plebiscite. The Turnbull wink was sure this is expensive but the party room is already locked in. What can a poor same sex marriage supporter do?
Let’s be very clear.Let’s be very clear.
The real test of the new era is whether Turnbull can navigate the ship of state back gradually in the direction of the sensible centre. The government does need to shift on some issues, otherwise why change the leader? If it truly is same old same old, the public won’t buy it, just as they didn’t buy it under Tony Abbott.The real test of the new era is whether Turnbull can navigate the ship of state back gradually in the direction of the sensible centre. The government does need to shift on some issues, otherwise why change the leader? If it truly is same old same old, the public won’t buy it, just as they didn’t buy it under Tony Abbott.
Charm, considerable though it is, can only get you so far.Charm, considerable though it is, can only get you so far.
6.44am BST06:446.44am BST06:44
Further questions have been placed on the notice paper. Give me a few minutes and I’ll give you some thoughts on that session.Further questions have been placed on the notice paper. Give me a few minutes and I’ll give you some thoughts on that session.
6.43am BST06:436.43am BST06:43
Labor is now after dirty deals made with the National party. Has the prime minister made a deal with the National party to give them responsibility for water policy?Labor is now after dirty deals made with the National party. Has the prime minister made a deal with the National party to give them responsibility for water policy?
Speaker Smith thinks that needs a rephrase. Again. Third time lucky perhaps?Speaker Smith thinks that needs a rephrase. Again. Third time lucky perhaps?
Labor is now citing a report on ABC Rural in an effort to get the question in.Labor is now citing a report on ABC Rural in an effort to get the question in.
Turnbull says any decision on an effects test will be one of the cabinet. (One of the earlier iterations of the question from Labor inquired whether Turnbull had agreed to implement an effects test which helps small business defend itself against the misue of market power by big business.) He says ministerial arrangements will be unveiled in coming days. That covers the location of portfolio responsibility for water management. My colleague Gabi Chan says the Nats have water.Turnbull says any decision on an effects test will be one of the cabinet. (One of the earlier iterations of the question from Labor inquired whether Turnbull had agreed to implement an effects test which helps small business defend itself against the misue of market power by big business.) He says ministerial arrangements will be unveiled in coming days. That covers the location of portfolio responsibility for water management. My colleague Gabi Chan says the Nats have water.
6.35am BST06:356.35am BST06:35
One of these chaps is happy. One slightly less happy.One of these chaps is happy. One slightly less happy.
6.33am BST06:336.33am BST06:33
Labor’s Jason Clare.Labor’s Jason Clare.
Q: The prime minister has previously said: “Few are so publicly humiliated as a poleaxed prime minister.’ Prime minister, why did you poleaxe the member for Warringah?Q: The prime minister has previously said: “Few are so publicly humiliated as a poleaxed prime minister.’ Prime minister, why did you poleaxe the member for Warringah?
Speaker Smith:Speaker Smith:
The leader of the House will resume his seat. I am calling the next question.The leader of the House will resume his seat. I am calling the next question.
6.28am BST06:286.28am BST06:28
Tanya Plibersek:Tanya Plibersek:
Q: A private member’s bill on marriage equality moved by the member for Leichhardt is currently before the House. It would take half an hour of parliamentary time to allow this bill to be voted on. It could be done tomorrow. Will the prime minister allow a vote on this bill and allow members of his party a free vote as he’s publicly called for previously?Q: A private member’s bill on marriage equality moved by the member for Leichhardt is currently before the House. It would take half an hour of parliamentary time to allow this bill to be voted on. It could be done tomorrow. Will the prime minister allow a vote on this bill and allow members of his party a free vote as he’s publicly called for previously?
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
Historically this issue has been resolved, issues of this type has been resolved, in parliament by free vote and the honourable member is correct in referring to that. Another way of dealing with this – another way of dealing with this is by a vote of the people. And the Coalition, our government, has decided that the resolution of this matter will be determined by a vote of the people, all the people, via a plebiscite, to be held after the next election.Historically this issue has been resolved, issues of this type has been resolved, in parliament by free vote and the honourable member is correct in referring to that. Another way of dealing with this – another way of dealing with this is by a vote of the people. And the Coalition, our government, has decided that the resolution of this matter will be determined by a vote of the people, all the people, via a plebiscite, to be held after the next election.
There is no greater virtue in a free vote here or a plebiscite. They are each means of resolving the matter - one, I grant you is more expensive but, nonetheless, it is a very legitimate and democratic way of dealing with it.There is no greater virtue in a free vote here or a plebiscite. They are each means of resolving the matter - one, I grant you is more expensive but, nonetheless, it is a very legitimate and democratic way of dealing with it.
(Sure this is a silly expensive frolic that I’ve inherited, but what can I do?)(Sure this is a silly expensive frolic that I’ve inherited, but what can I do?)
Some wag suggests Turnbull is a sellout.Some wag suggests Turnbull is a sellout.
6.22am BST06:226.22am BST06:22
Oh hai Warren.Oh hai Warren.
6.18am BST06:186.18am BST06:18
Here we go, on the third attempt.Here we go, on the third attempt.
Q: Does the treasurer stand by his statement of yesterday in relation to the now prime minister: “He has never said to me or the Cabinet we are heading in the wrong economic direction”. Does the treasurer agree with the prime minister?Q: Does the treasurer stand by his statement of yesterday in relation to the now prime minister: “He has never said to me or the Cabinet we are heading in the wrong economic direction”. Does the treasurer agree with the prime minister?
Joe Hockey:Joe Hockey:
They are verballing again. Australia is heading in the right economic direction but we’ve still got work to do. There’s no suggestion of Mission Accomplished.They are verballing again. Australia is heading in the right economic direction but we’ve still got work to do. There’s no suggestion of Mission Accomplished.
6.14am BST06:146.14am BST06:14
Labor has been given the cover of a monologue by serial enthusiast Bruce Billson to reframe a gotcha question to the treasurer Joe Hockey.Labor has been given the cover of a monologue by serial enthusiast Bruce Billson to reframe a gotcha question to the treasurer Joe Hockey.
6.10am BST06:106.10am BST06:10
Listening. The ReturnBull.Listening. The ReturnBull.
6.06am BST06:066.06am BST06:06
The funnies continue. Labor reminds Turnbull of his previous savage criticism of the direct action policy.The funnies continue. Labor reminds Turnbull of his previous savage criticism of the direct action policy.
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
You can’t take people’s remarks about different proposals years ago!You can’t take people’s remarks about different proposals years ago!
(Much laughter from the opposition benches.)(Much laughter from the opposition benches.)
Turnbull, continuing:Turnbull, continuing:
If it cuts emissions, it does the job. The objective is not the means. The objective is not the means. The objective is the goal. It doesn’t matter how you cut emissions, as long as they are cut. The minister for environment and this government is cutting emissions, our goal is reasonable and comparable to other countries similarly situated.If it cuts emissions, it does the job. The objective is not the means. The objective is not the means. The objective is the goal. It doesn’t matter how you cut emissions, as long as they are cut. The minister for environment and this government is cutting emissions, our goal is reasonable and comparable to other countries similarly situated.
6.02am BST06:026.02am BST06:02
Funny little sequence then. Green Adam Bandt asked Turnbull whether he’d roll over to the right on climate action.Funny little sequence then. Green Adam Bandt asked Turnbull whether he’d roll over to the right on climate action.
Turnbull stands by the government’s post 2020 targets for Paris, and by direct action, which he says is working.Turnbull stands by the government’s post 2020 targets for Paris, and by direct action, which he says is working.
Sure some policies are stupidly designed but why quibble if they work?Sure some policies are stupidly designed but why quibble if they work?
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
There are many means of cutting emissions, some more complex than others, some more expensive than others. There is no inherent virtue in any particular method of cutting emissions. There is no ideology there. The only thing that matters is the outcome.There are many means of cutting emissions, some more complex than others, some more expensive than others. There is no inherent virtue in any particular method of cutting emissions. There is no ideology there. The only thing that matters is the outcome.
5.58am BST05:585.58am BST05:58
More content than we can poke a stick at today. Labor is persisting with its style versus substance theme. Malcolm Turnbull has just used a Dorothy Dixer to reassure everybody that he’s tough on national security. But I’m pretty confident the words death cult were not uttered once.More content than we can poke a stick at today. Labor is persisting with its style versus substance theme. Malcolm Turnbull has just used a Dorothy Dixer to reassure everybody that he’s tough on national security. But I’m pretty confident the words death cult were not uttered once.
Labor has bowled up the smart alec question to Joe Hockey, who remains in treasury for now.Labor has bowled up the smart alec question to Joe Hockey, who remains in treasury for now.
Q: My question is to the treasurer. Does the treasurer agree with the statement by the now prime minister yesterday: “It is clear enough that the government is not successful in providing the economic leadership we need”.Q: My question is to the treasurer. Does the treasurer agree with the statement by the now prime minister yesterday: “It is clear enough that the government is not successful in providing the economic leadership we need”.
Joe Hockey:Joe Hockey:
I thank the Honourable Member for McMahon for the question. Entirely unpredictable, of course. Entirely unpredictable. The Honourable Member for Wentworth is perfectly entitled to make a statement, as he did yesterday, about how we can do better and you know what, we can always do better. We can always do better. But I tell you what, we’re doing a lot better than the Labor party.I thank the Honourable Member for McMahon for the question. Entirely unpredictable, of course. Entirely unpredictable. The Honourable Member for Wentworth is perfectly entitled to make a statement, as he did yesterday, about how we can do better and you know what, we can always do better. We can always do better. But I tell you what, we’re doing a lot better than the Labor party.
5.51am BST05:515.51am BST05:51
Coalition, at a priceCoalition, at a price
Gabrielle ChanGabrielle Chan
The National party has negotiated a tougher coalition agreement with Malcolm Turnbull which includes financial concessions for stay at home parents, moving responsibility for water from environment to agriculture and maintaining a plebiscite for same sex marriage. The agreement, negotiated between Turnbull and his deputy prime minister Warren Truss, will also include new money for regional mobile blackspots.The National party has negotiated a tougher coalition agreement with Malcolm Turnbull which includes financial concessions for stay at home parents, moving responsibility for water from environment to agriculture and maintaining a plebiscite for same sex marriage. The agreement, negotiated between Turnbull and his deputy prime minister Warren Truss, will also include new money for regional mobile blackspots.
The Nationals partyroom resolved at a meeting in Albury earlier this year to take a tougher approach to the coalition agreement “at the next available opportunity”. While many in the junior coalition partner were unhappy with the switch to the more progressive Turnbull, the document is renegotiated every time there is a change of leader because it is an agreement between the two leaders.The Nationals partyroom resolved at a meeting in Albury earlier this year to take a tougher approach to the coalition agreement “at the next available opportunity”. While many in the junior coalition partner were unhappy with the switch to the more progressive Turnbull, the document is renegotiated every time there is a change of leader because it is an agreement between the two leaders.
Both Truss and Joyce had been sending warnings to the Liberals last night and on Tuesday morning, even though there was little prospect of breaking the agreement under the circumstances. Earlier in the day, deputy National leader Barnaby Joyce said the Nationals had had discussions with Turnbull in the morning.Both Truss and Joyce had been sending warnings to the Liberals last night and on Tuesday morning, even though there was little prospect of breaking the agreement under the circumstances. Earlier in the day, deputy National leader Barnaby Joyce said the Nationals had had discussions with Turnbull in the morning.
It is understood the Nationals met with Turnbull after their partyroom later in the morning, before Turnbull was sworn in as prime minister. “What Australia wants is good government and good government starts with strong Coalition agreement and I’m sure Warren will be right up to the task there to make sure we get the best possible deal for regional Australia,” said Joyce.It is understood the Nationals met with Turnbull after their partyroom later in the morning, before Turnbull was sworn in as prime minister. “What Australia wants is good government and good government starts with strong Coalition agreement and I’m sure Warren will be right up to the task there to make sure we get the best possible deal for regional Australia,” said Joyce.
“Let the Australian people decide on that. I obviously don’t think it’s preferable. I believe that elections should be the determinant of who the government is and the only other person away from that should be the leader themselves, who if they of their own volition decide to retire, they retire.“Let the Australian people decide on that. I obviously don’t think it’s preferable. I believe that elections should be the determinant of who the government is and the only other person away from that should be the leader themselves, who if they of their own volition decide to retire, they retire.
“But of course the PM is almost a sacred role and I think people see it as such but that’s why you have to make sure you take the Australian people very, very seriously and with the deepest respect.”“But of course the PM is almost a sacred role and I think people see it as such but that’s why you have to make sure you take the Australian people very, very seriously and with the deepest respect.”
5.48am BST05:485.48am BST05:48
The opening Dorothy Dixer can be titled, “Hi, I’m Malcolm, and I love the future.”The opening Dorothy Dixer can be titled, “Hi, I’m Malcolm, and I love the future.”
5.47am BST05:475.47am BST05:47
Labor opens by reminding Turnbull that he said he supported the Abbott government’s first budget. Is this leadership change one of style of substance? Turnbull says in Australia, we have cabinet government. The government supports all its decisions.Labor opens by reminding Turnbull that he said he supported the Abbott government’s first budget. Is this leadership change one of style of substance? Turnbull says in Australia, we have cabinet government. The government supports all its decisions.
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
I will lead a traditional Cabinet government and policies will change in the light of changed conditions, of course they will. They will change all the time, they have to. They have to under any government.I will lead a traditional Cabinet government and policies will change in the light of changed conditions, of course they will. They will change all the time, they have to. They have to under any government.
But he ends thus:But he ends thus:
The Honourable Member is inviting me to make a unilateral decision and he should not be surprised to be disappointed.The Honourable Member is inviting me to make a unilateral decision and he should not be surprised to be disappointed.
5.44am BST05:445.44am BST05:44
Shorten also pays tribute to Turnbull, who he says can offer the public something different.Shorten also pays tribute to Turnbull, who he says can offer the public something different.
It may be a genuine chance for this nation, and this chance isn’t defined by yourself or myself, but in fact by the policies, your policies, Labor’s policies, what we can do for this country. That’s the real test. For us it will be about the ideas you put forward and the ideas we put forward. A genuine choice, a genuine chance for this country and it will be up to this country between now and the next election to select who has the best ideas to advance Australia. Thank you.It may be a genuine chance for this nation, and this chance isn’t defined by yourself or myself, but in fact by the policies, your policies, Labor’s policies, what we can do for this country. That’s the real test. For us it will be about the ideas you put forward and the ideas we put forward. A genuine choice, a genuine chance for this country and it will be up to this country between now and the next election to select who has the best ideas to advance Australia. Thank you.
(If it’s a head to head between Shorten and Turnbull, best to stick to issues. You could play the man with Abbott given his unpopularity. Harder to to this with Turnbull.)(If it’s a head to head between Shorten and Turnbull, best to stick to issues. You could play the man with Abbott given his unpopularity. Harder to to this with Turnbull.)
5.39am BST05:395.39am BST05:39
Malcolm Turnbull, on indulgence:Malcolm Turnbull, on indulgence:
I want to make some remarks on the former prime minister Tony Abbott. Our nation, our parliament, our government, our party, our parties, the Coalition, owe Tony Abbott an enormous debt of gratitude for his leadership and his service over many, many years. He led us out of opposition back into government. The challenges of leadership are very considerable. The pressures are enormous and as Tony Abbott has often said himself, very, very profoundly, that all of us here are volunteers. It is our families that are conscripts and so we should acknowledge today, of course, the debt we also owe to his wife Margie and their daughters. Tony has discharged his role as prime minister, be it as leader of the opposition, with enormous distinct and achievement. We thank him for his leadership, we thank him for his service. He is a great Australian and our country has been better, has been improved, better led under his time as PM.I want to make some remarks on the former prime minister Tony Abbott. Our nation, our parliament, our government, our party, our parties, the Coalition, owe Tony Abbott an enormous debt of gratitude for his leadership and his service over many, many years. He led us out of opposition back into government. The challenges of leadership are very considerable. The pressures are enormous and as Tony Abbott has often said himself, very, very profoundly, that all of us here are volunteers. It is our families that are conscripts and so we should acknowledge today, of course, the debt we also owe to his wife Margie and their daughters. Tony has discharged his role as prime minister, be it as leader of the opposition, with enormous distinct and achievement. We thank him for his leadership, we thank him for his service. He is a great Australian and our country has been better, has been improved, better led under his time as PM.
Bill Shorten, on indulgence:Bill Shorten, on indulgence:
From his first victory in 2009 to become the leader of the Liberal party, right through to last night, he (Abbott) is a fighter, a formidable fighter. I have exchanged harsh words with him in my time as opposition leader, I’ve disagreed with his politics and decisions on many occasions but I also wish to record that he had this frustrating ability on occasion, just when you were really frustrated with a particular decision he might have made to do something unexpected and generous and personal. From the time when my mother passed, he was very sensitive to that. I said this to him and he also said, and I explained the conundrum of his frustrating behaviour and he said: “I’m sure I’ll frustrate you again” and he did.From his first victory in 2009 to become the leader of the Liberal party, right through to last night, he (Abbott) is a fighter, a formidable fighter. I have exchanged harsh words with him in my time as opposition leader, I’ve disagreed with his politics and decisions on many occasions but I also wish to record that he had this frustrating ability on occasion, just when you were really frustrated with a particular decision he might have made to do something unexpected and generous and personal. From the time when my mother passed, he was very sensitive to that. I said this to him and he also said, and I explained the conundrum of his frustrating behaviour and he said: “I’m sure I’ll frustrate you again” and he did.
5.32am BST05:325.32am BST05:32
Question timeQuestion time
Malcolm Turnbull opens question time by confirming that he is, in fact, the prime minister. He also confirms that the Nationals leader Warren Truss has confirmed the National party’s support for the coalition to continue.Malcolm Turnbull opens question time by confirming that he is, in fact, the prime minister. He also confirms that the Nationals leader Warren Truss has confirmed the National party’s support for the coalition to continue.
The king is dead, long live the king.The king is dead, long live the king.
5.26am BST05:265.26am BST05:26
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
Back to Senate question time, Labor has directed its second round of questions to the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, in light of Malcolm Turnbull’s criticism of the government’s performance in selling its economic messages. Cormann, an Abbott backer, insists he won’t be quitting. In fact, he is “looking forward to working with the prime minister in building Australia’s stronger economic and fiscal foundations for the future”. Labor’s Senate leader, Penny Wong, asks whether he agrees with Turnbull’s comments about the government’s economic team “or does he think that the prime minister was only talking about the treasurer”. Mathias Cormann: “What another juvenile question from the worst finance minister in the history of the commonwealth. I look forward to working with the prime minister in putting Australia on a stronger foundation for the future.” Cormann declines Wong’s request to reveal whether Turnbull had ever raised the concerns with him. “This [question] from a former failed finance minister who was there at the scene of the crime stabling a Labor prime minister twice. On this side of the parliament it is a matter of public record that we as a party made a decision yesterday.”Back to Senate question time, Labor has directed its second round of questions to the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, in light of Malcolm Turnbull’s criticism of the government’s performance in selling its economic messages. Cormann, an Abbott backer, insists he won’t be quitting. In fact, he is “looking forward to working with the prime minister in building Australia’s stronger economic and fiscal foundations for the future”. Labor’s Senate leader, Penny Wong, asks whether he agrees with Turnbull’s comments about the government’s economic team “or does he think that the prime minister was only talking about the treasurer”. Mathias Cormann: “What another juvenile question from the worst finance minister in the history of the commonwealth. I look forward to working with the prime minister in putting Australia on a stronger foundation for the future.” Cormann declines Wong’s request to reveal whether Turnbull had ever raised the concerns with him. “This [question] from a former failed finance minister who was there at the scene of the crime stabling a Labor prime minister twice. On this side of the parliament it is a matter of public record that we as a party made a decision yesterday.”
5.24am BST05:245.24am BST05:24
Michael SafiMichael Safi
Murph has given you a chunk of this live but here’s a little wrap of John Howard’s press conference just a little earlier. “The king is dead, long live the king,” pronounced Howard a press conference in Sydney. “And I’m going to support the new king — if I’m permitted to call him that — with my full support.” (Perhaps Abbott and Eric Abetz compared notes ahead of question time).Murph has given you a chunk of this live but here’s a little wrap of John Howard’s press conference just a little earlier. “The king is dead, long live the king,” pronounced Howard a press conference in Sydney. “And I’m going to support the new king — if I’m permitted to call him that — with my full support.” (Perhaps Abbott and Eric Abetz compared notes ahead of question time).
Apologising for a late start (“I wanted to watch the swearing in of the new prime minister on TV”), Howard was effusive in his praise for Tony Abbott, the man once described as his political lovechild. “He achieved along with Scott Morrison a turnaround in relation to border protection policy that I didn’t really think would be possible,” he said.Apologising for a late start (“I wanted to watch the swearing in of the new prime minister on TV”), Howard was effusive in his praise for Tony Abbott, the man once described as his political lovechild. “He achieved along with Scott Morrison a turnaround in relation to border protection policy that I didn’t really think would be possible,” he said.
Budget repair also got a mention, the removal of the mining and carbon taxes one of “the very significant legacies of his period as prime minister”, Howard said. “The fact that he and Peter Dutton were able to convert the dividend of stopping the boats into the opportunity available for Australia to take 12,000 additional refugees from the war-torn areas of the Middle East is something of which his government can be particularly proud.”Budget repair also got a mention, the removal of the mining and carbon taxes one of “the very significant legacies of his period as prime minister”, Howard said. “The fact that he and Peter Dutton were able to convert the dividend of stopping the boats into the opportunity available for Australia to take 12,000 additional refugees from the war-torn areas of the Middle East is something of which his government can be particularly proud.”
He offered some advice to Turnbull, “a person of great intelligence [who] has the capacity to explain economic concepts very clearly and very lucidly”.He offered some advice to Turnbull, “a person of great intelligence [who] has the capacity to explain economic concepts very clearly and very lucidly”.
“[He] will understand, as I did, and as Tony Abbott did, that the Liberal party is a broad church … it is the custodian of both conservative values and small-L liberal values and it does best when it keeps a sensible balance between the two,” he said.“[He] will understand, as I did, and as Tony Abbott did, that the Liberal party is a broad church … it is the custodian of both conservative values and small-L liberal values and it does best when it keeps a sensible balance between the two,” he said.
Howard declined to say whether the party had made the right decision, offering that “the Australian people will decide that, but the important thing is they made a decision with a clear margin”.Howard declined to say whether the party had made the right decision, offering that “the Australian people will decide that, but the important thing is they made a decision with a clear margin”.
“In the end though the voters have a say in their judgment at the next election and I hope it is very favourable to the government,” he said.“In the end though the voters have a say in their judgment at the next election and I hope it is very favourable to the government,” he said.
“I will do everything I can to help Malcolm Turnbull, he will have all the support and advice that he may care to seek from me,” Howard said.“I will do everything I can to help Malcolm Turnbull, he will have all the support and advice that he may care to seek from me,” Howard said.
“My operating principle is to keep the Labor party from government.”“My operating principle is to keep the Labor party from government.”
Updated at 5.27am BSTUpdated at 5.27am BST
5.14am BST05:145.14am BST05:14
The king is dead, long live the kingThe king is dead, long live the king
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
Senate question time begins with a bang with Labor questions about leadership. Abbott backer Eric Abetz said Turnbull “has my support as the elected Liberal leader always has”.Senate question time begins with a bang with Labor questions about leadership. Abbott backer Eric Abetz said Turnbull “has my support as the elected Liberal leader always has”.
Abetz, who remains the leader of the government in the Senate, tells the ALP: “Unlike those on the other side I can show my hands and they are clean. Can I also indicate that at all times I have supported the parliamentary leader as elected by my colleagues and as colleague would know my motto is when you win you don’t gloat, when you lose you don’t moan … you get on with the task of delivering good government for the people of Australia.”Abetz, who remains the leader of the government in the Senate, tells the ALP: “Unlike those on the other side I can show my hands and they are clean. Can I also indicate that at all times I have supported the parliamentary leader as elected by my colleagues and as colleague would know my motto is when you win you don’t gloat, when you lose you don’t moan … you get on with the task of delivering good government for the people of Australia.”
Abetz also finds things that unite the Liberal party: “We are absolutely united on getting rid of the red and green tape that has strangled this country for so long.”Abetz also finds things that unite the Liberal party: “We are absolutely united on getting rid of the red and green tape that has strangled this country for so long.”
Labor’s deputy leader in the Senate, Stephen Conroy, tries to embarrass Abetz by asking if the prime minister (Turnbull) has confidence in him, along with other ministers who backed Abbott. “The answer to all of those questions is yes,” Abetz asserts. “Can I indicate that we serve at the pleasure of the leader and we do so on a daily basis irrespective of who might be leader.”Labor’s deputy leader in the Senate, Stephen Conroy, tries to embarrass Abetz by asking if the prime minister (Turnbull) has confidence in him, along with other ministers who backed Abbott. “The answer to all of those questions is yes,” Abetz asserts. “Can I indicate that we serve at the pleasure of the leader and we do so on a daily basis irrespective of who might be leader.”
Abetz also quips: “The king is dead, long live the king, and the prime minister has our support.”Abetz also quips: “The king is dead, long live the king, and the prime minister has our support.”
Updated at 5.15am BSTUpdated at 5.15am BST
5.08am BST05:085.08am BST05:08
John Howard:John Howard:
I feel for Mr Abbott, it’s difficult. He’ll be in my thoughts for some time.I feel for Mr Abbott, it’s difficult. He’ll be in my thoughts for some time.
He adds, however, that the Liberal party has been through a democratic process. He says he’ll do everything he can to help Malcolm Turnbull keep the prime ministership.He adds, however, that the Liberal party has been through a democratic process. He says he’ll do everything he can to help Malcolm Turnbull keep the prime ministership.
5.03am BST05:035.03am BST05:03
The voice of experienceThe voice of experience
Calla WahlquistCalla Wahlquist
Lets look west briefly to Canning now. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese is in town, having missed the drama in parliament last night.Lets look west briefly to Canning now. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese is in town, having missed the drama in parliament last night.
Albanese:Albanese:
Having been through these sort of things in the past, and I opposed the change that we did when Labor unseated a first term elected prime minister, one of the reasons I did that, in 2010, was I knew what it would lead to in terms of instability. The idea that it’s business as usual today in the Coalition government is just farcical. The fact is, this is a government that is at war with itself. This is a government where many of the senior members of that government can’t stand the person that has been elected to lead that political party, where it’s very clear that a number of senior members in the government promised both Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott that they would vote for them in last night’s ballot, which is why Tony Abbott was confident going into that ballot.Having been through these sort of things in the past, and I opposed the change that we did when Labor unseated a first term elected prime minister, one of the reasons I did that, in 2010, was I knew what it would lead to in terms of instability. The idea that it’s business as usual today in the Coalition government is just farcical. The fact is, this is a government that is at war with itself. This is a government where many of the senior members of that government can’t stand the person that has been elected to lead that political party, where it’s very clear that a number of senior members in the government promised both Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott that they would vote for them in last night’s ballot, which is why Tony Abbott was confident going into that ballot.
Now those things don’t just wash through the system. What that leads to is dysfunctional government. They will be a dysfunctional government until the next election when they will be put out of their misery.Now those things don’t just wash through the system. What that leads to is dysfunctional government. They will be a dysfunctional government until the next election when they will be put out of their misery.
Asked if he was speaking from experience:Asked if he was speaking from experience:
There is no doubt, I am not talking in retrospect here. In 2010, when we changed government, it caused ongoing issues. It doesn’t just stop.There is no doubt, I am not talking in retrospect here. In 2010, when we changed government, it caused ongoing issues. It doesn’t just stop.
4.57am BST04:574.57am BST04:57
Mercies of the day. Question time has been delayed until 2.30pm.Mercies of the day. Question time has been delayed until 2.30pm.
4.56am BST04:564.56am BST04:56
Q: Mr Howard, do you think the party room got it right in electing Malcolm Turnbull leader?Q: Mr Howard, do you think the party room got it right in electing Malcolm Turnbull leader?
John Howard:John Howard:
Well, ultimately the Australian people will decide that.Well, ultimately the Australian people will decide that.
4.54am BST04:544.54am BST04:54
John Howard.John Howard.
Of course, if you look at the broader political picture, Tony Abbott is also somebody who should be remembered in the Liberal Party pantheon as having achieved in 2010 a quite remarkable thing. He effectively, at the 2010 election, killed off a first-term Labor government.Of course, if you look at the broader political picture, Tony Abbott is also somebody who should be remembered in the Liberal Party pantheon as having achieved in 2010 a quite remarkable thing. He effectively, at the 2010 election, killed off a first-term Labor government.
It may have taken another three years for it to be buried and cremated but it was killed off at the 2010 election. Nobody else leading the Liberal Party, nobody else leading the Liberal Party, in my judgment, could have achieved that.It may have taken another three years for it to be buried and cremated but it was killed off at the 2010 election. Nobody else leading the Liberal Party, nobody else leading the Liberal Party, in my judgment, could have achieved that.
Inevitably with the pain of disappointment and loss that undoubtedly my friend Tony Abbott feels at this particular time, I say to him as a friend and as a former Liberal Party leader, that he has an enormous amount to be proud of and there is much in his record, both as opposition leader and prime minister, of which the Liberal party should be profoundly grateful and indebted.Inevitably with the pain of disappointment and loss that undoubtedly my friend Tony Abbott feels at this particular time, I say to him as a friend and as a former Liberal Party leader, that he has an enormous amount to be proud of and there is much in his record, both as opposition leader and prime minister, of which the Liberal party should be profoundly grateful and indebted.
To Malcolm Turnbull, I offer my congratulations. I have known Malcolm for a longtime. He was, of course, a Howard era minister and he was a very good minister. He’s a person of great intelligence.To Malcolm Turnbull, I offer my congratulations. I have known Malcolm for a longtime. He was, of course, a Howard era minister and he was a very good minister. He’s a person of great intelligence.
He has the capacity to explain economic concepts very clearly and very lucidly and that, as he indicated yesterday, will be an important part of the skill set that he brings to his new responsibilities. I have little doubt that he will, as I did and Tony Abbott did, understand that the Liberal party is a broad church. It’s a centre right party, it brings together two streams of the Australian polity, it is the custodian of small liberal values. It does best when it keeps a balance of those two.He has the capacity to explain economic concepts very clearly and very lucidly and that, as he indicated yesterday, will be an important part of the skill set that he brings to his new responsibilities. I have little doubt that he will, as I did and Tony Abbott did, understand that the Liberal party is a broad church. It’s a centre right party, it brings together two streams of the Australian polity, it is the custodian of small liberal values. It does best when it keeps a balance of those two.
4.49am BST04:494.49am BST04:49
The former prime minister John Howard is paying tribute now to Tony Abbott. I’ll give you a bit of that in a minute.The former prime minister John Howard is paying tribute now to Tony Abbott. I’ll give you a bit of that in a minute.
Meanwhile Daniel Hurst keeps us up to speed with the opposition.Meanwhile Daniel Hurst keeps us up to speed with the opposition.
Labor MPs have put on a brave face and begun seeking to tarnish Malcolm Turnbull’s trustworthiness as prime minister after the Liberal leadership changethreatened to revive the Coalition’s popularity in the leadup to the next election.Labor MPs have put on a brave face and begun seeking to tarnish Malcolm Turnbull’s trustworthiness as prime minister after the Liberal leadership changethreatened to revive the Coalition’s popularity in the leadup to the next election.
Labor, which has led the Coalition in major opinion polls since last year, had been hoping to face Tony Abbott at the general election due in 2016 because of his entrenched negative approval ratings and his association with broken promises.Labor, which has led the Coalition in major opinion polls since last year, had been hoping to face Tony Abbott at the general election due in 2016 because of his entrenched negative approval ratings and his association with broken promises.
But the elevation of the far more popular Turnbull poses a serious test for the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, who has also been struggling with low personal approval ratings and until now focused his attacks on Abbott and the treasurer, Joe Hockey.But the elevation of the far more popular Turnbull poses a serious test for the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, who has also been struggling with low personal approval ratings and until now focused his attacks on Abbott and the treasurer, Joe Hockey.
4.40am BST04:404.40am BST04:40
TURNBULL’S GRANDSON ALERT x 2 pic.twitter.com/VxlVhMYchKTURNBULL’S GRANDSON ALERT x 2 pic.twitter.com/VxlVhMYchK
4.35am BST04:354.35am BST04:35
Australia has a new prime ministerAustralia has a new prime minister
Boom, Malcolm Turnbull is sworn in in two seconds flat. Question time is breathing down everyone’s necks.Boom, Malcolm Turnbull is sworn in in two seconds flat. Question time is breathing down everyone’s necks.
4.34am BST04:344.34am BST04:34
I think the Turnbull grandchild is intent on upstaging grandpa.I think the Turnbull grandchild is intent on upstaging grandpa.
4.33am BST04:334.33am BST04:33
All eyes now to Government House. The new regime is about to be sworn in. Let the era of disruption commence!All eyes now to Government House. The new regime is about to be sworn in. Let the era of disruption commence!
4.28am BST04:284.28am BST04:28
Last media appearance for PM Tony Abbott @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive http://t.co/qrh84GSLX7 pic.twitter.com/PekXAR1pd5Last media appearance for PM Tony Abbott @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive http://t.co/qrh84GSLX7 pic.twitter.com/PekXAR1pd5
4.27am BST04:274.27am BST04:27
Tony Nutt, back to helpTony Nutt, back to help
My colleague Lenore Taylor is just back from the Coalition partyroom debrief. She says Abbott did not attend this morning’s discussion, but Joe Hockey was there (as we’ve pictured earlier on today.) Malcolm Turnbull thanked colleagues for their discipline and team spirit and observed that no-one was more committed to the broad church of the Liberal party than him. He said Tony Nutt – the former Howard backroom adviser – would be the director of transition, and Drew Clarke from the department of communications would be chief of staff. Turnbull said he intended to restore the open consultative model of the prime minister’s office that existed under Nutt and Sinodinos in the Howard years. Christopher Pyne urged colleagues just to get back on stage, and keep on singing. Every government needs a Pyne.My colleague Lenore Taylor is just back from the Coalition partyroom debrief. She says Abbott did not attend this morning’s discussion, but Joe Hockey was there (as we’ve pictured earlier on today.) Malcolm Turnbull thanked colleagues for their discipline and team spirit and observed that no-one was more committed to the broad church of the Liberal party than him. He said Tony Nutt – the former Howard backroom adviser – would be the director of transition, and Drew Clarke from the department of communications would be chief of staff. Turnbull said he intended to restore the open consultative model of the prime minister’s office that existed under Nutt and Sinodinos in the Howard years. Christopher Pyne urged colleagues just to get back on stage, and keep on singing. Every government needs a Pyne.
4.19am BST04:194.19am BST04:19
The fatigue is all in the eyes. Gruelling business, politics.The fatigue is all in the eyes. Gruelling business, politics.
4.14am BST04:144.14am BST04:14
Some thoughts from me on that sign offSome thoughts from me on that sign off
Well the first thing to note is it doesn’t look like Tony Abbott is leaving politics.Well the first thing to note is it doesn’t look like Tony Abbott is leaving politics.
Now to the substance of the sign off. Of course he wants to characterise himself and the government he led as purposeful in the face of undermining, but unfortunately for Abbott that is not the government we all saw. We saw centralised control, poor decision making, brittle aggression, pointless playing of favourites, a political tin ear, a litany of broken promises, a first budget that invited a national referendum on the question of fairness. That’s what we saw. It cannot be unseen even as a gesture of respect to a man who has endured a really tough 48 hours.Now to the substance of the sign off. Of course he wants to characterise himself and the government he led as purposeful in the face of undermining, but unfortunately for Abbott that is not the government we all saw. We saw centralised control, poor decision making, brittle aggression, pointless playing of favourites, a political tin ear, a litany of broken promises, a first budget that invited a national referendum on the question of fairness. That’s what we saw. It cannot be unseen even as a gesture of respect to a man who has endured a really tough 48 hours.
Abbott genuinely did try to change the media cycle. It was an important experiment, but it failed, because the old clubbish ways between politics and the good gentleman of the Canberra parliamentary press gallery is over. It’s never coming back. Abbott kept trying to recreate ‘we good chaps running the country all together’ in ways that only served to isolate him and drag his government off into a fringe agenda. This has been a critical mistake. It’s made him look like King Canute.Abbott genuinely did try to change the media cycle. It was an important experiment, but it failed, because the old clubbish ways between politics and the good gentleman of the Canberra parliamentary press gallery is over. It’s never coming back. Abbott kept trying to recreate ‘we good chaps running the country all together’ in ways that only served to isolate him and drag his government off into a fringe agenda. This has been a critical mistake. It’s made him look like King Canute.
He does have a point about the febrile nature of the modern media cycle, and the coup culture. It is a problem, and a serious one. Asking journalists not to write crap is a worthy endeavour. Julia Gillard tried it before him. It’s a reasonable request. But one best not made if you benefit from the crap on the way up. That tends to look churlish. You like it if its works for you, you don’t like it if it doesn’t. It’s also bizarre to style yourself as a victim of a hostile media cycle when you’ve had rolling praise, by and large, from the largest print media company in the country right up until the last, frenetic few weeks.He does have a point about the febrile nature of the modern media cycle, and the coup culture. It is a problem, and a serious one. Asking journalists not to write crap is a worthy endeavour. Julia Gillard tried it before him. It’s a reasonable request. But one best not made if you benefit from the crap on the way up. That tends to look churlish. You like it if its works for you, you don’t like it if it doesn’t. It’s also bizarre to style yourself as a victim of a hostile media cycle when you’ve had rolling praise, by and large, from the largest print media company in the country right up until the last, frenetic few weeks.
I hope for his own sake that Abbott can put down the cudgels and not seek to avenge his honour. The country could really use a rest from the titanic egos of politicians. We’ve seen entirely too much of that over the past decade or so. It chews the country up, and it chews up the protagonists as well.I hope for his own sake that Abbott can put down the cudgels and not seek to avenge his honour. The country could really use a rest from the titanic egos of politicians. We’ve seen entirely too much of that over the past decade or so. It chews the country up, and it chews up the protagonists as well.
Fundamentally Tony Abbott is a decent man. It would be good to remind the country of his innate human decency, and let that enhance his legacy.Fundamentally Tony Abbott is a decent man. It would be good to remind the country of his innate human decency, and let that enhance his legacy.
Updated at 4.16am BSTUpdated at 4.16am BST
3.57am BST03:573.57am BST03:57
A few thoughts on that farewell shortly.A few thoughts on that farewell shortly.
3.56am BST03:563.56am BST03:56
There were no questions.There were no questions.
3.55am BST03:553.55am BST03:55
In between the sharper quotes I’ve shared, Abbott listed his government’s achievements.In between the sharper quotes I’ve shared, Abbott listed his government’s achievements.
I’ve held true to what I’ve believed and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years. 300,000 more people are in jobs. Labor’s bad taxes are gone. We’ve signed Free Trade Agreements with our largest trading partners, with Japan, with Korea and with China. The biggest infrastructure program in our country’s history is under way.I’ve held true to what I’ve believed and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years. 300,000 more people are in jobs. Labor’s bad taxes are gone. We’ve signed Free Trade Agreements with our largest trading partners, with Japan, with Korea and with China. The biggest infrastructure program in our country’s history is under way.
A spotlight is being shone into the dark and corrupt corners of the union movement and Labor’s party union business model. We’ve responded to the threats of terror and we’ve deployed to the other side of the world to bring our loved ones home.A spotlight is being shone into the dark and corrupt corners of the union movement and Labor’s party union business model. We’ve responded to the threats of terror and we’ve deployed to the other side of the world to bring our loved ones home.
The boats have stopped and with the boats stopped, we’ve been better able to display our compassion to refugees. And the budget.The boats have stopped and with the boats stopped, we’ve been better able to display our compassion to refugees. And the budget.
Of course, there’s much that I had still wanted to do. Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people. Getting the kids to school, the adults to work and communities safe. I was the first Prime Minister to spend a week a year in remote Indigenous Australia. And I hope I’m not the last.Of course, there’s much that I had still wanted to do. Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people. Getting the kids to school, the adults to work and communities safe. I was the first Prime Minister to spend a week a year in remote Indigenous Australia. And I hope I’m not the last.
Then there’s the challenge of ice and domestic violence, yet to be addressed.Then there’s the challenge of ice and domestic violence, yet to be addressed.
Australia has a role to play in the struggles of the wider world. The cauldron of the Middle East. And security in the South China Sea and elsewhere.Australia has a role to play in the struggles of the wider world. The cauldron of the Middle East. And security in the South China Sea and elsewhere.
I fear that none of this will be helped if the leadership instability that’s plagued other countries continues to taint us.I fear that none of this will be helped if the leadership instability that’s plagued other countries continues to taint us.
But yes, I am proud of what the Abbott government has achieved.But yes, I am proud of what the Abbott government has achieved.
3.50am BST03:503.50am BST03:50
I thank my family for allowing me to be the absentee spouse and parent that politics entails. I thank Margie for her grace and dignity throughout my public life.I thank my family for allowing me to be the absentee spouse and parent that politics entails. I thank Margie for her grace and dignity throughout my public life.
I thank my party for the privilege of leading it. I thank the armed forces who are serving our country and defending our values, even as we speak. I think my staff, who have been absolutely unceasing in their devotion to our party and our country, especially my chief of staff, who has been unfairly maligned by people who should’ve known betterI thank my party for the privilege of leading it. I thank the armed forces who are serving our country and defending our values, even as we speak. I think my staff, who have been absolutely unceasing in their devotion to our party and our country, especially my chief of staff, who has been unfairly maligned by people who should’ve known better
Finally, I thank my country for the privilege of service. It is humbling to lose, but that does not compare to the honour of being asked to lead.Finally, I thank my country for the privilege of service. It is humbling to lose, but that does not compare to the honour of being asked to lead.
In my maiden speech here in this Parliament, I quoted from the first Christian service ever preached here in Australia.In my maiden speech here in this Parliament, I quoted from the first Christian service ever preached here in Australia.
The Reverend Richard Johnson took as his text “what shall I render unto the Lord for all his blessings to me?”The Reverend Richard Johnson took as his text “what shall I render unto the Lord for all his blessings to me?”
At this, my final statement as Prime Minister, I say: I have rendered all and I am proud of my service.At this, my final statement as Prime Minister, I say: I have rendered all and I am proud of my service.
My love for this country is as strong as ever, and may God bless this great Commonwealth.My love for this country is as strong as ever, and may God bless this great Commonwealth.
3.47am BST03:473.47am BST03:47
None of us are Gods, and PS: don't write crapNone of us are Gods, and PS: don't write crap
I am proud of what the Abbott government has achieved. We stayed focused despite the white-anting.I am proud of what the Abbott government has achieved. We stayed focused despite the white-anting.
Of course, the government wasn’t perfect. We have been a government of men and women, not a government of Gods walking upon the earth.Of course, the government wasn’t perfect. We have been a government of men and women, not a government of Gods walking upon the earth.
Few of us, after all, entirely measure up to expectations.Few of us, after all, entirely measure up to expectations.
The nature of politics has changed in the past decade. We have more polls and more commentary than ever before. Mostly sour, bitter, character assassination. Poll driven politics has produced a revolving door prime ministership which can’t be good for our country. And a febrile media culture has developed that rewards treachery.The nature of politics has changed in the past decade. We have more polls and more commentary than ever before. Mostly sour, bitter, character assassination. Poll driven politics has produced a revolving door prime ministership which can’t be good for our country. And a febrile media culture has developed that rewards treachery.
And if there’s one piece of advice I can give to the media, it’s this: refuse to print self-serving claims that the person making them won’t put his or her name to.And if there’s one piece of advice I can give to the media, it’s this: refuse to print self-serving claims that the person making them won’t put his or her name to.
Refuse to connive with dishonour by acting as the assassin’s knife.Refuse to connive with dishonour by acting as the assassin’s knife.
3.43am BST03:433.43am BST03:43
Abbott says he’s consistently said in opposition and in government that being the prime minister is not an end in itself, it’s about the people you serve.Abbott says he’s consistently said in opposition and in government that being the prime minister is not an end in itself, it’s about the people you serve.
Yes, this is a tough day, but when you join the game, you accept the rules.Yes, this is a tough day, but when you join the game, you accept the rules.
3.41am BST03:413.41am BST03:41
Tony Abbott makes his statement to reportersTony Abbott makes his statement to reporters
Abbott says it’s a tough day, tough for many in the building, tough for the country.Abbott says it’s a tough day, tough for many in the building, tough for the country.
But he says he intends to take this on the chin.But he says he intends to take this on the chin.
There will be no wrecking, no undermining, and no sniping.There will be no wrecking, no undermining, and no sniping.
I’ve never leaked or backgrounded against anyone. And I certainly won’t start now.I’ve never leaked or backgrounded against anyone. And I certainly won’t start now.
3.34am BST03:343.34am BST03:34
Press pack waiting for @TonyAbbottMHR pic.twitter.com/1MS3O22CiNPress pack waiting for @TonyAbbottMHR pic.twitter.com/1MS3O22CiN
3.33am BST03:333.33am BST03:33
Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex, via Facebook.Malcolm Turnbull’s son Alex, via Facebook.
Pretty good week in politics. Corbyn implosion triggered, Dad became PM, hoping for Donald J. Trump to pull off the rubber mask and expose Al Gore to round it out.Pretty good week in politics. Corbyn implosion triggered, Dad became PM, hoping for Donald J. Trump to pull off the rubber mask and expose Al Gore to round it out.
(We are all hoping for that on Trump, just quietly).(We are all hoping for that on Trump, just quietly).
3.30am BST03:303.30am BST03:30
Greens leader Richard Di Natale on the new regime. Malcolm needs to get serious about climate change, refugees, equal marriage.Greens leader Richard Di Natale on the new regime. Malcolm needs to get serious about climate change, refugees, equal marriage.
Richard Di Natale:Richard Di Natale:
Well, I won’t judge Malcolm Turnbull on the basis of a short press conference after assuming the leadership. I will be very keen to talk to him about ... issues and of course, front and centre will be the issue of global warming and to discuss taking serious action to address this challenge.Well, I won’t judge Malcolm Turnbull on the basis of a short press conference after assuming the leadership. I will be very keen to talk to him about ... issues and of course, front and centre will be the issue of global warming and to discuss taking serious action to address this challenge.
I understand that he’s already indicated a reluctance to move here, but that’s what leadership’s about.I understand that he’s already indicated a reluctance to move here, but that’s what leadership’s about.
3.25am BST03:253.25am BST03:25
There’s a new seating chart for the House of Representatives.There’s a new seating chart for the House of Representatives.
New seating plan. Abbott on the bbench next to @AndrewLamingMP. Hockey remains on the front bench for now. #qt pic.twitter.com/iBaNkTjQSHNew seating plan. Abbott on the bbench next to @AndrewLamingMP. Hockey remains on the front bench for now. #qt pic.twitter.com/iBaNkTjQSH
3.23am BST03:233.23am BST03:23
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
The Labor current motion is the suspension of standing orders to enable the condemning of the government. The division on the substantive motion has now been deferred until later in the day. Michael Keenan is now up telling the parliament about the Civil Law and Justice (Omnibus Amendments) Bill 2015. The justice minister says the legislation will “improve the efficiency and operation of the justice system”.The Labor current motion is the suspension of standing orders to enable the condemning of the government. The division on the substantive motion has now been deferred until later in the day. Michael Keenan is now up telling the parliament about the Civil Law and Justice (Omnibus Amendments) Bill 2015. The justice minister says the legislation will “improve the efficiency and operation of the justice system”.
3.19am BST03:193.19am BST03:19
My colleague Daniel Hurst tells me that Labor has moved a motion in the House condemning disunity in the Coalition. “Who is the prime minister?” shouted Labor’s Jenny Macklin as she sought to support the motion condemning the government for disunity. The government quickly moved to gag her.My colleague Daniel Hurst tells me that Labor has moved a motion in the House condemning disunity in the Coalition. “Who is the prime minister?” shouted Labor’s Jenny Macklin as she sought to support the motion condemning the government for disunity. The government quickly moved to gag her.
3.11am BST03:113.11am BST03:11
Tuesday morning, if you are just tuning inTuesday morning, if you are just tuning in
A very quick summary in the event you are just tuning in to the morning after the night before.A very quick summary in the event you are just tuning in to the morning after the night before.
Onwards. Upwards.Onwards. Upwards.
3.04am BST03:043.04am BST03:04
While I have a moment a few links to share.While I have a moment a few links to share.
The solution to his dilemma is hidden in the details of the Direct Action policy, details which allow the policy to be “dialled up” into a baseline and credit emissions trading scheme that has a better chance of actually reducing Australia’s output of greenhouse gases. The key lies in the “safeguards” the government is finalising to make sure businesses that are not seeking money from the “Direct Action” fund don’t increase their emissions and undo all the reductions the government is buying.The solution to his dilemma is hidden in the details of the Direct Action policy, details which allow the policy to be “dialled up” into a baseline and credit emissions trading scheme that has a better chance of actually reducing Australia’s output of greenhouse gases. The key lies in the “safeguards” the government is finalising to make sure businesses that are not seeking money from the “Direct Action” fund don’t increase their emissions and undo all the reductions the government is buying.
In the heartland of Malcolm Turnbull’s electorate in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, the sun seems to be shining just a little brighter than usual. It’s not divine intervention. It’s probably just because spring has arrived. But for Turnbull’s supporters in Wentworth it’s a sign that their chosen candidate is where he belongs.In the heartland of Malcolm Turnbull’s electorate in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, the sun seems to be shining just a little brighter than usual. It’s not divine intervention. It’s probably just because spring has arrived. But for Turnbull’s supporters in Wentworth it’s a sign that their chosen candidate is where he belongs.
Abbott has never fully appreciated the essence of Aboriginal culture, not if we take him at his word. This is the man who in 2014 said white settlement was Australia’s “defining moment”, the moment “this continent became part of the modern world”.Abbott has never fully appreciated the essence of Aboriginal culture, not if we take him at his word. This is the man who in 2014 said white settlement was Australia’s “defining moment”, the moment “this continent became part of the modern world”.
2.53am BST02:532.53am BST02:53
Ah no, here we go.Ah no, here we go.
Tony Abbott will deliver his last statement in PM's courtyard at 12.30 @SkyNewsAustTony Abbott will deliver his last statement in PM's courtyard at 12.30 @SkyNewsAust
Same location as Kevin Rudd’s farewell.Same location as Kevin Rudd’s farewell.
2.51am BST02:512.51am BST02:51
You people are very rude.You people are very rude.
#WheresTony pic.twitter.com/CfFJLYB6fY#WheresTony pic.twitter.com/CfFJLYB6fY
2.43am BST02:432.43am BST02:43
Where are you Tony?Where are you Tony?
2.38am BST02:382.38am BST02:38
Another thought.Another thought.
@murpharoo 'Turnbullé' French for a soufflé that *can* rise twice.@murpharoo 'Turnbullé' French for a soufflé that *can* rise twice.
An excellent one.An excellent one.
2.37am BST02:372.37am BST02:37
This morning, Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones had a grim task. He had to note he had been, in fact, wrong to say Malcolm Turnbull would never return as leader of the Liberal party. Time was out of joint.This morning, Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones had a grim task. He had to note he had been, in fact, wrong to say Malcolm Turnbull would never return as leader of the Liberal party. Time was out of joint.
As with all seismic events, it was bumpy. Alan declared he had known Turnbull “backwards.” Perhaps he would have been better placed popping himself in front to witness the approaching freight train.As with all seismic events, it was bumpy. Alan declared he had known Turnbull “backwards.” Perhaps he would have been better placed popping himself in front to witness the approaching freight train.
Just a thought.Just a thought.
2.26am BST02:262.26am BST02:26
Turnbulle?Turnbulle?
Unhappy camper waiting for Turnbull to arrive at Government House @SkyNewsAust pic.twitter.com/UpooN2YAB6Unhappy camper waiting for Turnbull to arrive at Government House @SkyNewsAust pic.twitter.com/UpooN2YAB6
Et u indeed.Et u indeed.
2.23am BST02:232.23am BST02:23
Leadership spills can be a brutal business. I assume frontbencher Jamie Briggs earned this injury elsewhere .. but who knows? Man’s inhumanity to man. I gather there’s been a SNAFU downstairs about photographers not respecting Briggs’ privacy.Leadership spills can be a brutal business. I assume frontbencher Jamie Briggs earned this injury elsewhere .. but who knows? Man’s inhumanity to man. I gather there’s been a SNAFU downstairs about photographers not respecting Briggs’ privacy.
Bit hard to respect privacy in public places.Bit hard to respect privacy in public places.
2.18am BST02:182.18am BST02:18
On Sky News, one of Malcolm Turnbull’s key numbers men, Victorian senator Mitch Fifield, says he helped tear Turnbull down in opposition because he couldn’t in all good conscience support an emissions trading scheme – but things change.On Sky News, one of Malcolm Turnbull’s key numbers men, Victorian senator Mitch Fifield, says he helped tear Turnbull down in opposition because he couldn’t in all good conscience support an emissions trading scheme – but things change.
Malcolm is no longer supporting an emissions trading scheme. (Well at least not until there’s a move on to switch direct action into a baseline and credit scheme. But there’s enough going on now, let’s not scamper too far ahead.)Malcolm is no longer supporting an emissions trading scheme. (Well at least not until there’s a move on to switch direct action into a baseline and credit scheme. But there’s enough going on now, let’s not scamper too far ahead.)
Mitch Fifield:Mitch Fifield:
We are determined to ensure Bill Shorten doesn’t win the next election. We don’t want to see Bill Shorten bring back a carbon tax.We are determined to ensure Bill Shorten doesn’t win the next election. We don’t want to see Bill Shorten bring back a carbon tax.
2.14am BST02:142.14am BST02:14
Further to those announcements in the caucus, I gather Jim Chalmers has confirmed to colleagues he’s nominating for the shadow ministry vacancy created by Ripoll’s announcement/retirement.Further to those announcements in the caucus, I gather Jim Chalmers has confirmed to colleagues he’s nominating for the shadow ministry vacancy created by Ripoll’s announcement/retirement.
For readers who don’t know Chalmers, he’s currently parliamentary secretary to the opposition leader and for trade and investment. He’s a member of the House Economics Committee; Deputy Chair of HoR Tax and Revenue Committee; Deputy Chair of Select Committee on Trade and Investment Growth.For readers who don’t know Chalmers, he’s currently parliamentary secretary to the opposition leader and for trade and investment. He’s a member of the House Economics Committee; Deputy Chair of HoR Tax and Revenue Committee; Deputy Chair of Select Committee on Trade and Investment Growth.
Chalmers worked for the former treasurer Wayne Swan before entering politics himself. He’s one of the new batch of bright young things.Chalmers worked for the former treasurer Wayne Swan before entering politics himself. He’s one of the new batch of bright young things.
2.10am BST02:102.10am BST02:10
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
Meanwhile, in other quarters of the building. Bill Shorten let the cameras in to film his opening address to the Labor caucus meeting, during which he began to build the case against Malcolm Turnbull and also praised the opposition for blocking Tony Abbott’s unpopular budget measures.Meanwhile, in other quarters of the building. Bill Shorten let the cameras in to film his opening address to the Labor caucus meeting, during which he began to build the case against Malcolm Turnbull and also praised the opposition for blocking Tony Abbott’s unpopular budget measures.
But after the cameras left he had some other business to discuss. He advised the meeting that Queensland senator Jan McLucas and MP Bernie Ripoll intended to stand down from the Labor frontbench. It had already been announced months ago that both would bow out of parliament at the next election. At today’s meeting, Shorten thanked the pair for loyal and capable service. Ripoll served as the shadow minister for financial services, superannuation and sport, while McLucas held the mental health, housing and homelessness portfolios. Their replacements are expected to be appointed after the next parliamentary break.But after the cameras left he had some other business to discuss. He advised the meeting that Queensland senator Jan McLucas and MP Bernie Ripoll intended to stand down from the Labor frontbench. It had already been announced months ago that both would bow out of parliament at the next election. At today’s meeting, Shorten thanked the pair for loyal and capable service. Ripoll served as the shadow minister for financial services, superannuation and sport, while McLucas held the mental health, housing and homelessness portfolios. Their replacements are expected to be appointed after the next parliamentary break.
Shorten also flagged an imminent announcement on Labor’s higher education policy. Close watchers in this space will know the party has been firmly opposed to the Coalition’s twice-thwarted policy to deregulate university fees but it has revealed few details of an alternative policy.Shorten also flagged an imminent announcement on Labor’s higher education policy. Close watchers in this space will know the party has been firmly opposed to the Coalition’s twice-thwarted policy to deregulate university fees but it has revealed few details of an alternative policy.
There were two questions to the Labor executive, including one to Penny Wong asking for more information to refute the government’s claims about the China-Australia free trade agreement. Wong committed to distribute more details. The other question was about the digital transformation office. Labor also offered its condolences to Kim Beazley on the death of his mother.There were two questions to the Labor executive, including one to Penny Wong asking for more information to refute the government’s claims about the China-Australia free trade agreement. Wong committed to distribute more details. The other question was about the digital transformation office. Labor also offered its condolences to Kim Beazley on the death of his mother.
But the political focus today remains firmly on the upheaval in the Coalition.But the political focus today remains firmly on the upheaval in the Coalition.
2.07am BST02:072.07am BST02:07
Paradise lost for Joe Hockey?Paradise lost for Joe Hockey?
2.05am BST02:052.05am BST02:05
Another day in paradise.Another day in paradise.
That’s Christopher Pyne’s word to reporters on his way into the party room meeting this morning.That’s Christopher Pyne’s word to reporters on his way into the party room meeting this morning.
2.01am BST02:012.01am BST02:01
Katharine MurphyKatharine Murphy
Well hello good people and welcome to another day in circus training paradise. Ms Chan and I are juggling various projects so once again we are both holding our precious live blog baby today.Well hello good people and welcome to another day in circus training paradise. Ms Chan and I are juggling various projects so once again we are both holding our precious live blog baby today.
I’d love to be able to tell you when the new regime will be sworn in, but I can’t until the prime minister Tony Abbott resigns.I’d love to be able to tell you when the new regime will be sworn in, but I can’t until the prime minister Tony Abbott resigns.
We are yet to see anything at all from Abbott.We are yet to see anything at all from Abbott.
Where are you, Tony?Where are you, Tony?
1.56am BST01:561.56am BST01:56
OK people, the good lady Katharine Murphy is taking over now. I am off to other projects which you shall see later in the day.OK people, the good lady Katharine Murphy is taking over now. I am off to other projects which you shall see later in the day.
Over to you @murpharooOver to you @murpharoo
1.38am BST01:381.38am BST01:38
Best wishes to Malcolm Turnbull becoming Australia's 29th Prime Minister Huge job with huge challenges.Therese and I wish he and Lucy well.Best wishes to Malcolm Turnbull becoming Australia's 29th Prime Minister Huge job with huge challenges.Therese and I wish he and Lucy well.
1.21am BST01:211.21am BST01:21
Bernardi: Turnbull coup is treachery of the highest orderBernardi: Turnbull coup is treachery of the highest order
Liberal senator Cory Bernardi is about as happy as well, Ray Hadley.Liberal senator Cory Bernardi is about as happy as well, Ray Hadley.
This is treachery of the highest order.This is treachery of the highest order.
Plotters will be rewarded on the frontbench. But those unhappy Liberal MPs will give more loyalty to Malcolm than Malcolm gave to Tony.Plotters will be rewarded on the frontbench. But those unhappy Liberal MPs will give more loyalty to Malcolm than Malcolm gave to Tony.
With the coup that took place, we showed there is not much difference between the Liberal party and the Labor party.With the coup that took place, we showed there is not much difference between the Liberal party and the Labor party.
He could not tell whether a Turnbull government would win the next election.He could not tell whether a Turnbull government would win the next election.
1.16am BST01:161.16am BST01:16
Some people are cruel.Some people are cruel.
1.08am BST01:081.08am BST01:08
I’m happy.I’m happy.
I really am.I really am.
12.58am BST00:5812.58am BST00:58
Smarmy walks part 2: shock jocks shockedSmarmy walks part 2: shock jocks shocked
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah Medhora
Macquarie Radio shock jock Ray Hadley is incensed at the Liberal party room’s decision to knife Tony Abbott.Macquarie Radio shock jock Ray Hadley is incensed at the Liberal party room’s decision to knife Tony Abbott.
He took to the airwaves this morning lamenting the fact that Australia has a “Labor-lite” prime minister in Malcom Turnbull, who he describes as an “unelectable toff”.He took to the airwaves this morning lamenting the fact that Australia has a “Labor-lite” prime minister in Malcom Turnbull, who he describes as an “unelectable toff”.
“We’ve now got two Labor leaders in Canberra,” Hadley said. “The opposition has a Labor leader, and now the government has a Labor leader. [It is] the ides of September.”“We’ve now got two Labor leaders in Canberra,” Hadley said. “The opposition has a Labor leader, and now the government has a Labor leader. [It is] the ides of September.”
He pointed out that Turnbull had dismal opinion poll ratings when he was opposition leader.He pointed out that Turnbull had dismal opinion poll ratings when he was opposition leader.
“He was on the nose then, and he’s on the nose now.”“He was on the nose then, and he’s on the nose now.”
“Turnbull and the Liberal party don’t deserve to lead,” Hadley continued. “I can’t support any party that mirrors the lemming-like practices of the Labor party in sacking a first term prime minister.”“Turnbull and the Liberal party don’t deserve to lead,” Hadley continued. “I can’t support any party that mirrors the lemming-like practices of the Labor party in sacking a first term prime minister.”
The radio announcer then turned his ire on the 53 “numbskulls” or “palukas” who voted for Turnbull.The radio announcer then turned his ire on the 53 “numbskulls” or “palukas” who voted for Turnbull.
“They should be identified so that the voters who voted them in at the last election, led by Tony Abbott, can simply say to them - next time, go chew in your boot, I’m going somewhere else,” Hadley said.“They should be identified so that the voters who voted them in at the last election, led by Tony Abbott, can simply say to them - next time, go chew in your boot, I’m going somewhere else,” Hadley said.
“The 53 MPs who voted for Malcolm Turnbull have short memories.”“The 53 MPs who voted for Malcolm Turnbull have short memories.”
Particular attention was given to Scott Morrison, a regular on Hadley’s morning show, warning him that if he takes a job as treasurer in the Turnbull government, as he’s tipped to do, that his standing in the electorate will fall drastically.Particular attention was given to Scott Morrison, a regular on Hadley’s morning show, warning him that if he takes a job as treasurer in the Turnbull government, as he’s tipped to do, that his standing in the electorate will fall drastically.
Now Hadley is doing a name and shame exercise - calling out anyone who voted for Turnbull and urging listeners to ring their errant MPs and give them a bollocking.Now Hadley is doing a name and shame exercise - calling out anyone who voted for Turnbull and urging listeners to ring their errant MPs and give them a bollocking.
12.46am BST00:4612.46am BST00:46
Bill Shorten tells his partyroom they can hold their heads high. They picked Turnbull not because they “worked out they’re out of touch” but because they panicked.Bill Shorten tells his partyroom they can hold their heads high. They picked Turnbull not because they “worked out they’re out of touch” but because they panicked.
They panicked because they know that their sterile philosophy of dividing the community has gone down very poorly.They panicked because they know that their sterile philosophy of dividing the community has gone down very poorly.
12.39am BST00:3912.39am BST00:39
Bill Shorten is speaking now for the first time since the leadership coup.Bill Shorten is speaking now for the first time since the leadership coup.
A new leader of the Liberal party. There’s no new direction. It may not be the same leader but it is in fact the same message from the Liberal Party. This country has been going nowhere for the last two years. You know the story, we see it everyday in the suburbs and the streets. Unemployment has gone up, debt and deficit has gone up. Even the NBN’s doubled incost since before the last election. We’ve seen growth down, real wage income growth down, we’ve seen confidence down. And yet Malcolm Turnbull has said that the problem is only in the style not the substance. This country needs no more showmen, it actually just needs substance.A new leader of the Liberal party. There’s no new direction. It may not be the same leader but it is in fact the same message from the Liberal Party. This country has been going nowhere for the last two years. You know the story, we see it everyday in the suburbs and the streets. Unemployment has gone up, debt and deficit has gone up. Even the NBN’s doubled incost since before the last election. We’ve seen growth down, real wage income growth down, we’ve seen confidence down. And yet Malcolm Turnbull has said that the problem is only in the style not the substance. This country needs no more showmen, it actually just needs substance.
12.32am BST00:3212.32am BST00:32
NSW premier, fellow northern Sydney MP and surfing buddy Mike Baird has taken to Facebook to offer his thoughts to Tony Abbott.NSW premier, fellow northern Sydney MP and surfing buddy Mike Baird has taken to Facebook to offer his thoughts to Tony Abbott.
Politics can be brutal.Politics can be brutal.
What can be lost in the rough and tumble is the people, and the relationships.What can be lost in the rough and tumble is the people, and the relationships.
I’ve known Tony Abbott for close to 15 years and I am proud to call him a mate. He will be hurting. So will his wonderful wife Margie and his girls. As their friend, I hurt with them.I’ve known Tony Abbott for close to 15 years and I am proud to call him a mate. He will be hurting. So will his wonderful wife Margie and his girls. As their friend, I hurt with them.
Many of those throwing stones don’t see the heart behind the man who has spent decades volunteering at the local surf club or working a shift with the Rural Fire Service… not for political gain, but for the simple reason that he loves his community.Many of those throwing stones don’t see the heart behind the man who has spent decades volunteering at the local surf club or working a shift with the Rural Fire Service… not for political gain, but for the simple reason that he loves his community.
This desire to serve, mixed with a deep love of Australia, took him into politics, and ultimately to the highest elected office in the land. Not once have I sensed it was due to a thirst for power. Rather, he has an unquenchable desire to give back. This has always been grounded in a deep humility.This desire to serve, mixed with a deep love of Australia, took him into politics, and ultimately to the highest elected office in the land. Not once have I sensed it was due to a thirst for power. Rather, he has an unquenchable desire to give back. This has always been grounded in a deep humility.
I do look forward to working closely with Malcolm. He will lead with distinction and I anticipate great things for Australia.I do look forward to working closely with Malcolm. He will lead with distinction and I anticipate great things for Australia.
But right now, I say to Tony… thanks for always putting your hand up to serve. Thanks for loving your country. And thanks for being a good mate.But right now, I say to Tony… thanks for always putting your hand up to serve. Thanks for loving your country. And thanks for being a good mate.
12.29am BST00:2912.29am BST00:29
We have just been digging into the history books to work out the protocol for the resignation and swearing in. Usually, the vanquished goes out to the governor general to resign before the new PM is sworn in.We have just been digging into the history books to work out the protocol for the resignation and swearing in. Usually, the vanquished goes out to the governor general to resign before the new PM is sworn in.
In the case of Julia Gillard in 2013 for example, while she gave her famous press conference on the night of the coup, a staffer went out to tell the governor general Quentin Bryce of the events. Straight after that press conference, Gillard went to see Bryce. Job done, she had a glass of red.In the case of Julia Gillard in 2013 for example, while she gave her famous press conference on the night of the coup, a staffer went out to tell the governor general Quentin Bryce of the events. Straight after that press conference, Gillard went to see Bryce. Job done, she had a glass of red.
Prior to Gillard, Kevin Rudd also went straight to the GG after his press conference on the day of the change.Prior to Gillard, Kevin Rudd also went straight to the GG after his press conference on the day of the change.
We are still unclear when or if Tony Abbott will go out to see the current incumbent, Sir Peter Cosgrove. Presumably that job needs to be done before Turnbull can lead question time.We are still unclear when or if Tony Abbott will go out to see the current incumbent, Sir Peter Cosgrove. Presumably that job needs to be done before Turnbull can lead question time.
Updated at 12.33am BSTUpdated at 12.33am BST
12.12am BST00:1212.12am BST00:12
Let’s just recap what we expect of this Tuesday:Let’s just recap what we expect of this Tuesday:
12.08am BST00:0812.08am BST00:08
Mike Bowers was up early ready to catch Tony Abbott for his morning ride. There was no sign. You have seen Julie Bishop’s comments on his state of mind. Here is Kevin Andrews on his former boss:Mike Bowers was up early ready to catch Tony Abbott for his morning ride. There was no sign. You have seen Julie Bishop’s comments on his state of mind. Here is Kevin Andrews on his former boss:
Tony was in a reflective mood. He’s been around for a long time. He’s seen the ups and downs of politics as we all have. He said that he believed that we had been a good government in difficult circumstances and I think there was a wide deal of respect for him.Tony was in a reflective mood. He’s been around for a long time. He’s seen the ups and downs of politics as we all have. He said that he believed that we had been a good government in difficult circumstances and I think there was a wide deal of respect for him.
11.51pm BST23:5111.51pm BST23:51
Carpe diem.Carpe diem.
11.50pm BST23:5011.50pm BST23:50
What do you really think?What do you really think?
Guardian Australia would love to know what you think about the leadership change through the open thread.Guardian Australia would love to know what you think about the leadership change through the open thread.
Is it justified? Is it the same as Labor’s leadership woes?Is it justified? Is it the same as Labor’s leadership woes?
Related: Open thread: how will Malcolm Turnbull's ousting of Tony Abbott change politics?Related: Open thread: how will Malcolm Turnbull's ousting of Tony Abbott change politics?
11.35pm BST23:3511.35pm BST23:35
There were tears shed. I'm not enjoying this Karl.There were tears shed. I'm not enjoying this Karl.
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah Medhora
Shalailah Medhora has been keeping ears and eyes across many platforms.Shalailah Medhora has been keeping ears and eyes across many platforms.
Here is an exchange between Julie Bishop and Karl Stefanovic on Nine about Tony Abbott’s state of mind after losing the leadership.Here is an exchange between Julie Bishop and Karl Stefanovic on Nine about Tony Abbott’s state of mind after losing the leadership.
He was calm. He was obviously very hurt. Emotionally, this is a very draining time for people and I feel for Tony and I feel for Margie and his daughters. I knew them well, and I know what stresses and strains that the leadership are under. And so it was a very difficult time for him. Of course it was very emotional for everybody involvedHe was calm. He was obviously very hurt. Emotionally, this is a very draining time for people and I feel for Tony and I feel for Margie and his daughters. I knew them well, and I know what stresses and strains that the leadership are under. And so it was a very difficult time for him. Of course it was very emotional for everybody involved
Karl: Were there tears?Karl: Were there tears?
I think there were tears shed.I think there were tears shed.
Karl: From you?Karl: From you?
I’m not enjoying this Karl. It is a very difficult time.I’m not enjoying this Karl. It is a very difficult time.
11.29pm BST23:2911.29pm BST23:29
Jockeying part 2.Jockeying part 2.
Small business minister Bruce Billson on Sky wants to keep his portfolio. Please Malcolm. By the way, I really like the deputy leader too.Small business minister Bruce Billson on Sky wants to keep his portfolio. Please Malcolm. By the way, I really like the deputy leader too.
If you’re looking for a bit zip zip and perpetual optimism, that’s my role... I’d love to keep doing my work for small business...I think [Bishop] handled herself with great dignity and grace.If you’re looking for a bit zip zip and perpetual optimism, that’s my role... I’d love to keep doing my work for small business...I think [Bishop] handled herself with great dignity and grace.
11.22pm BST23:2211.22pm BST23:22
Thanks to Northern Territory News and Cameron Clare.Thanks to Northern Territory News and Cameron Clare.
the front page of today’s NT News #auspol pic.twitter.com/je3ypjU6nTthe front page of today’s NT News #auspol pic.twitter.com/je3ypjU6nT
11.15pm BST23:1511.15pm BST23:15
And so the jockeying begins: another Kevin who is here to help.And so the jockeying begins: another Kevin who is here to help.
Loyal Abbott lieutenant defence minister Kevin Andrews has been in many different media outlets, saying “pick me”. Some might call it shameless.Loyal Abbott lieutenant defence minister Kevin Andrews has been in many different media outlets, saying “pick me”. Some might call it shameless.
Now is not the time for instability in the defence portfolio.Now is not the time for instability in the defence portfolio.
I am prepared to work with him and be this broad church that he talks about … In reaching out to Malcolm, I’m saying, let’s embrace these traditions … I would be happy to continue in this role.I am prepared to work with him and be this broad church that he talks about … In reaching out to Malcolm, I’m saying, let’s embrace these traditions … I would be happy to continue in this role.
Updated at 11.25pm BSTUpdated at 11.25pm BST
11.05pm BST23:0511.05pm BST23:05
Bishop: "This is the toughest thing I've had to do in political life."Bishop: "This is the toughest thing I've had to do in political life."
The deputy Liberal leader, Julie Bishop, has spoken to a number of TV shows this morning.The deputy Liberal leader, Julie Bishop, has spoken to a number of TV shows this morning.
She is laying out the reasons for the need for a change from Tony Abbott, who has yet to be sighted this morning after what was obviously a difficult night. Everyone wants to know how the Coalition can attack Labor for leadership instability when the Liberals have replaced a first-term prime minister.She is laying out the reasons for the need for a change from Tony Abbott, who has yet to be sighted this morning after what was obviously a difficult night. Everyone wants to know how the Coalition can attack Labor for leadership instability when the Liberals have replaced a first-term prime minister.
Bishop says this is different because Abbott was told in February that the party was unhappy and was given six months to turn the government around.Bishop says this is different because Abbott was told in February that the party was unhappy and was given six months to turn the government around.
The party took a rather dramatic act over seven months ago when there was a spill motion in the party room that didn’t succeed and no one challenged him for the job at the time. And he asked for six months to turn things around. Well, seven months later, the majority of the party room felt that he hadn’t done that and there are a whole range of matters that made them lose confidence in him and they wanted a change of leader and they were given the opportunity to have their say and that’s what they did yesterday.The party took a rather dramatic act over seven months ago when there was a spill motion in the party room that didn’t succeed and no one challenged him for the job at the time. And he asked for six months to turn things around. Well, seven months later, the majority of the party room felt that he hadn’t done that and there are a whole range of matters that made them lose confidence in him and they wanted a change of leader and they were given the opportunity to have their say and that’s what they did yesterday.
Jason Clare, who has shadowed Turnbull, tells RN’s Fran Kelly that Labor has learned that it is no good to knife a sitting prime minister.Jason Clare, who has shadowed Turnbull, tells RN’s Fran Kelly that Labor has learned that it is no good to knife a sitting prime minister.
We’ve seen this movie before, Fran.We’ve seen this movie before, Fran.
Updated at 11.24pm BSTUpdated at 11.24pm BST
10.50pm BST22:5010.50pm BST22:50
It’s a sign! #MarriageEqualityIt’s a sign! #MarriageEquality
10.44pm BST22:4410.44pm BST22:44
Good morning my friends,Good morning my friends,
It’s only Tuesday and we have a new prime minister. It was a brutal day, as they always are when an incumbent is toppled. It turns out, Canberra games were not media fiction, as Tony Abbott had suggested. In the end, it was swift. As we watched Abbott in question time, very few knew that Julie Bishop had told him beforehand that he no longer had the confidence of the party. She laid out his options. After QT, Turnbull followed Abbott out of the chamber to give him the news.It’s only Tuesday and we have a new prime minister. It was a brutal day, as they always are when an incumbent is toppled. It turns out, Canberra games were not media fiction, as Tony Abbott had suggested. In the end, it was swift. As we watched Abbott in question time, very few knew that Julie Bishop had told him beforehand that he no longer had the confidence of the party. She laid out his options. After QT, Turnbull followed Abbott out of the chamber to give him the news.
Mike Bowers’ prescient shot of the two men leaving question time signalled the end was nigh for Abbott.Mike Bowers’ prescient shot of the two men leaving question time signalled the end was nigh for Abbott.
Turnbull quickly declared his intention to challenge after question time. His pitch was to provide economic leadership, a true liberal government and traditional consultative cabinet. In the end, he won 54-44.Turnbull quickly declared his intention to challenge after question time. His pitch was to provide economic leadership, a true liberal government and traditional consultative cabinet. In the end, he won 54-44.
This morning, Turnbull gave a brief doorstop. He repeated his expectation that the Coalition government would see out its term.This morning, Turnbull gave a brief doorstop. He repeated his expectation that the Coalition government would see out its term.
He was asked, is this a dream come true for you?He was asked, is this a dream come true for you?
This is a turn of events that I did not expect I have to tell you but it’s one that I’m privileged to undertake and one that I am certainly up to.This is a turn of events that I did not expect I have to tell you but it’s one that I’m privileged to undertake and one that I am certainly up to.
Turnbull was asked to explain to the Australian people exactly what happened (given the Coalition had eviscerated Labor for ousting a first-term prime minister).Turnbull was asked to explain to the Australian people exactly what happened (given the Coalition had eviscerated Labor for ousting a first-term prime minister).
There has been a change of prime minister but we are a very very strong government a very strong country with a great potential and we will realise that potential working very hard together.There has been a change of prime minister but we are a very very strong government a very strong country with a great potential and we will realise that potential working very hard together.
Turnbull (and Abbott’s) deputy leader, Julie Bishop is explaining her actions.Turnbull (and Abbott’s) deputy leader, Julie Bishop is explaining her actions.
This is the toughest thing I’ve had to do in political life … it’s a very emotional time for us all, its very difficult.This is the toughest thing I’ve had to do in political life … it’s a very emotional time for us all, its very difficult.
There are many outings this morning. The front lawn of parliament is a sea of morning television programs and politicians, justifying, promoting, excusing. Mike Bowers is out there and we are both on Twitter @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.There are many outings this morning. The front lawn of parliament is a sea of morning television programs and politicians, justifying, promoting, excusing. Mike Bowers is out there and we are both on Twitter @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.
Beverages are needed after the night before. Stick to us like glue. Who knows what could happen?Beverages are needed after the night before. Stick to us like glue. Who knows what could happen?
Updated at 11.23pm BSTUpdated at 11.23pm BST