176-473: Prime Minister of Australia [REDACTED] The Abbott government was the federal executive government of Australia led by the 28th Prime Minister Tony Abbott . The government was made up of members of the Liberal–National Coalition . The Leader of The Nationals , Warren Truss , served as Deputy Prime Minister . Following the 2013 Australian federal election held on 7 September,
352-453: A GST increase was "on the table", stating that any increase in the GST would be offset by tax breaks and Morrison indicated that superannuation tax would be reviewed. Through in to 2016, Morrison made the case for an increase in the GST. In February, Turnbull ruled out pursuing a GST increase. Two days before the 2016 Council of Australian Governments ' (COAG) meeting, Turnbull responded to
528-677: A Rhodes Scholar , and former trainee Catholic priest, journalist and political advisor, had entered Parliament in 1994 as the Member for Warringah and served as a senior minister in the Howard government , which lost office at the 2007 election to the Australian Labor Party, led by Kevin Rudd . Abbott served as Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs under Liberal leaders Brendan Nelson and Malcolm Turnbull and then became Leader of
704-596: A Rhodes Scholar , where in June 1983 he graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and on 21 October 1989 proceeded by seniority to Master of Arts . During his university days, Abbott gained media attention for political opposition to the then dominant left-wing student leadership. Once he was violently beaten at a university conference. According to the Sun-Herald newspaper, it
880-470: A member of parliament (MP) for the division of Warringah at the 1994 Warringah by-election , before the election of the Howard government in 1996. Following the 1998 election , Abbott was appointed Minister for Employment Services in the second Howard ministry . He was promoted to cabinet in 2001 as Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business . In 2003, Abbott became Minister for Health and Ageing , retaining this position until
1056-522: A "religious revolution". After losing office, Abbott said on Paul Murray Live on 8 December 2015: "We've got to work closely with live-and-let-live Muslims because there needs to be, as President (Abdel Fattah) Al-Sisi of Egypt has said, a religious revolution inside Islam... All of those things that Islam has never had – a Reformation, an Enlightenment, a well-developed concept of the separation of church and state – that needs to happen, but we can't do it; Muslims have got to do this for themselves." In 2015,
1232-685: A 'Great big tax on everything' and opposed it. The Coalition and minor parties voted against the government's ETS legislation in the Senate and the legislation was rejected. Abbott announced a new Coalition policy on carbon emission reduction in February, which committed the Coalition to a 5 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020. Abbott proposed the creation of an 'emissions reduction fund' to provide 'direct' incentives to industry and farmers to reduce carbon emissions. In April, Rudd announced that plans for
1408-687: A Catholic layman who led a movement against Communism within the Australian labour movement in the 1950s, culminating in the 1955 Labor Party split and the formation of the Democratic Labor Party . Santamaria has been described as Abbott's "political hero". He wrote the foreword to a novelisation of Santamaria's life written by Alan Reid , and in 2015 launched a biography of Santamaria written by Gerard Henderson . In 1977, Abbott faced charges of common and indecent assault after allegedly groping trainee teacher Helen Wilson while she
1584-671: A Parliamentary Secretary, Abbott oversaw the establishment of the Green Corps program which involved young people in environmental restoration work. As Minister for Employment Services, he oversaw the implementation of the Job Network and was responsible for the government's Work for the Dole scheme. He also commissioned the Cole Royal Commission into "thuggery and rorts" in the construction industry and created
1760-638: A biography and reflection on the Howard government, and potential future policy direction for the Liberal Party. In the book, Abbott said that in certain aspects the Australian Federation was "dysfunctional" and in need of repair. He recommended the establishment of local hospital and school boards to manage health and education, and discussed family law reform, multiculturalism, climate change, and international relations. The book received
1936-559: A bit threatened … it's a fact of life and I try to treat people as people and not put them in pigeonholes." In later interviews Abbott apologised for the remark. In 2013, Abbott stated on 3AW that if his sister Christine Forster were to have a marriage ceremony with her partner Virginia he would attend. In March 2010, Abbott, announced a new policy initiative to provide for six months paid parental leave , funded by an increase in corporate tax by 1.7 percentage points on all taxable company income above $ 5 million. Business groups and
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#17327870824542112-650: A budget deficit that reached A$ 48.5 billion by June 2014. It concluded free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea. It removed the Rudd-Gillard era Resource Super Profits Tax and carbon pricing . It established the National Commission of Audit to advise on restoring the Budget to surplus; instituted the Royal Commission into trade union governance and corruption ; founded
2288-470: A concrete plant, and began to get involved in national politics. Throughout his time as a student and seminarian, he was writing articles for newspapers and magazines—first for Honi Soit (the University of Sydney student newspaper) and later The Catholic Weekly and national publications such as The Bulletin . He eventually became a journalist and wrote for The Australian . At birth, Abbott
2464-532: A favourable review from former Labor Party speech writer Bob Ellis and The Australian described it as "read almost universally as Abbott's intellectual application for the party's leadership after the Turnbull experiment". The number of unauthorised immigrant arrivals in boats to Australia increased during 2008. Abbott claimed that this was an effect of the Rudd government's easing of border protection laws and accused Kevin Rudd of ineptitude and hypocrisy on
2640-478: A first term Liberal government". In his first press conference as Treasurer, Scott Morrison indicated a reduction in government expenditure, and stated that the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) and White Paper on tax reform would arrive on time. On 1 October 2015, Turnbull hosted an economic summit at Parliament House , which included representatives from industry, unions, government and
2816-466: A first-term prime minister was unusual in Australian political history and the Rudd-Gillard rivalry remained a vexed issue for the Gillard government into the 2010 election and its subsequent term. On 17 July, Gillard called the 2010 federal election for 21 August. Polls in the first week gave a view that Labor would be re-elected with an increased majority, with Newspoll and an Essential poll showing
2992-600: A five-nation tour and attended major leaders' summits in Europe and Asia. The China–Australia Free Trade Agreement agreed by the Abbott government concluded its passage through Parliament in October 2015. The Turnbull government continued the Abbott government's negotiations for an India Free Trade deal. Turnbull also continued the Abbott government's moves to improve trade relations with Indonesia and Germany, and to establish
3168-417: A glowing reference and Abbott won pre-selection for the safe Liberal seat. Despite his conservative leanings, Abbott acknowledged he voted for Labor in the 1988 NSW state election as he thought that " Barrie Unsworth was the best deal Premier that New South Wales had ever had". Nevertheless, Abbott then clarified that he has never voted for Labor in a federal election. Abbott won Liberal preselection for
3344-547: A hostile reception in the Senate and media. Monarchist Abbott's decision to knight the Duke of Edinburgh brought heavy media criticism, and amid declining poll numbers for the Coalition, rumours of an intention by republican Malcolm Turnbull to challenge for the leadership continued. On 5 February, Fairfax reported that leadership speculation was at "fever pitch" after backbench Senator Arthur Sinodinos (a demoted-Minister) questioned Abbott's judgement on Sky News and refused to confirm if
3520-561: A lead of 10 points (55–45) two party preferred . The two leaders met for one official debate during the campaign. Studio audience surveys by Channel 9 and Seven Network suggested a win to Gillard. Unable to agree on further debates, the leaders went on to appear separately on stage for questioning at community fora in Sydney and Brisbane. In Sydney on 11 August, Abbott's opening statement focused on his main election messages around government debt, taxation and asylum seekers. An exit poll of
3696-523: A leadership spill ahead of his 39th consecutive Newspoll loss, which he narrowly won against Peter Dutton . Turnbull resigned three days later after narrowly losing the confidence of his Party room. Turnbull blamed Abbott, Dutton and conservative media commentators. Malcolm Turnbull entered Parliament as the Member for Wentworth in 2004, and went on to serve as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister from January 2006, and later Minister for
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#17327870824543872-399: A leaked report regarding his plans for reforms to income tax levying. At a press conference at a Penrith football field, Turnbull announced a plan to hand the states income taxing powers, which he explained would be "the most fundamental reform to the federation in generations". State and Territory leaders rejected the plan outright, and Turnbull withdrew the initiative two days later following
4048-623: A legal agreement for the deployment of around 1,300 US Marines to the Northern Territory, first proposed under the Gillard government. Abbott also moved to strengthen economic and defence ties with Japan, signing the Japan–Australia Economic Partnership Agreement and inviting Shinzō Abe to address Parliament and announcing a transfer of defence technology and equipment would be included in it. In 2014,
4224-772: A military exercise". Following the Arab Spring uprisings, and withdrawal of the bulk of US troops from Iraq, the threat of Islamic State /ISIL/ISIS emerged, amid the deteriorating Syrian Civil War . The extremist Sunni Islamist group was battling government forces in Syria and Iraq, with the objective of establishing of an Islamic caliphate across the region. Domestic terrorist attacks by ISIS supporters occurred in Australia in 2014, with knife and gun attacks in Melbourne and Sydney against police and civilians. In October 2014,
4400-650: A military invasion was needed for Syria. France announced that the Paris attacks were an act of war and secured a UN Security Council Resolution authorising the use of military force against the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front . In the aftermath of the attacks, some of the Turnbull Cabinet criticised the Sunni Grand Mufti of Australia for offering an apparently equivocal condemnation of
4576-707: A mistake for the Howard government not to offer a national apology to the Stolen Generations ; spent time teaching at remote Aboriginal communities; and argued for the Rudd government to continue the Northern Territory National Emergency Response which restricted alcohol and introduced conditional welfare in certain Aboriginal communities. During this period in Opposition, Abbott wrote Battlelines ,
4752-623: A plebiscite on the issue of same-sex marriage . Investments in air and road infrastructure were prioritised. Many of Abbott's proposed policies were opposed by the Australian Senate which was, during the Abbott government, controlled by opposition parties. The 2013 election saw the emergence of the right-wing Palmer United Party , which lead to fears that conservative voters would defect from supporting Abbott's Liberal coalition, but Palmer United fractured soon after. The Liberal Party faced Cabinet leaks and early leadership instability, after
4928-533: A plebiscite prior to any amendment to the Marriage Act to recognise same-sex unions as "marriages" under Australian law. Turnbull dropped Abbott, Joe Hockey , Eric Abetz , Ian Macfarlane , Kevin Andrews , Michael Ronaldson and Bruce Billson from his ministry, but increased the number of cabinet ministers from 19 to 21. Polling was initially favourable to Turnbull following the leadership change, but
5104-540: A poorly received first Budget and amid media criticism. Abbott became the shortest-serving Australian Prime Minister since William McMahon , when his government was succeeded by the Turnbull government . Turnbull cited Newspoll results and "economic leadership" as reasons for mounting his challenge against Abbott. The Liberal–National coalition, led by Abbott, won the 2013 Australian federal election , returning their Coalition to power after six years in opposition. Abbott,
5280-500: A referendum to give recognition to Indigenous Australians in the Australian Constitution , and to prioritise indigenous affairs by placing it within the department of prime minister and cabinet, saying: "There will be, in effect, a prime minister for Aboriginal affairs". In his 2013 election campaign, Abbott told the media that the Coalition wanted to "build a stronger economy so that everyone can get ahead. We'll scrap
5456-562: A writer, public speaker and advocate for conservative causes. Abbott was born on 4 November 1957 at the General Lying-In Hospital in Lambeth , London, England. He is the oldest of four children born to Fay (née Peters; b. 1933) and Richard Henry "Dick" Abbott (1924–2017). He has three younger sisters, including Christine Forster , who has also been involved in politics. His mother was born in Sydney, while his father
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5632-615: Is an Australian former politician who served as the 28th prime minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015. He held office as the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia and was the member of parliament (MP) for the New South Wales division of Warringah from 1994 to 2019. Abbott was born in London, England, to an Australian mother and a British father, and moved to Sydney at the age of two. He studied economics and law at
5808-678: Is concerned, it's coming after us." In July, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the Sydney Institute that ISIL is not "Hitler's Germany, Tojo's Japan or Stalin's Russia" and that government should not amplify its significance. At the opening of a regional summit against terrorism in Sydney in June 2015, Abbott praised the leadership against Islamist terrorism shown by Muslim statesmen such as Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib – who had described ISIS as "against God, against Islam and against our common humanity" – and of Egypt's president el-Sissi – who told Egyptian imams that Islam needed
5984-644: The 1940 election . Turnbull government Prime Minister of Australia [REDACTED] The Turnbull government was the federal executive government of Australia led by the 29th prime minister of Australia , Malcolm Turnbull , from 2015 to 2018. It succeeded the Abbott government , which brought the Coalition to power at the 2013 Australian federal election . The government consisted of members of Australia's Liberal - Nationals Coalition . Turnbull took office by challenging his leader, Tony Abbott , in an internal leadership ballot . Warren Truss ,
6160-636: The 2007 federal election by the Australian Labor Party led by Kevin Rudd . In the aftermath, Turnbull entered and lost in the ensuing ballot for the Liberal Party leadership , which was won by Brendan Nelson . Turnbull served as Shadow Treasurer, before toppling Nelson in the November 2008 Liberal leadership spill . The Godwin Grech Affair undermined Turnbull's authority, and amid extended poor polling, and disagreement within
6336-507: The 2013 federal election , returning to power after six years in opposition. Turnbull served as Minister for Communications in the Abbott government , and oversaw the National Broadband rollout. The Abbott government delivered its election promises of removing industry taxes on mining and carbon emissions, and halting unauthorised boat arrivals, but its first Budget 's expenditure cuts and surprise revenue proposals met with
6512-608: The 2016 federal election and resigned with immediate effect as Parliamentary Leader of the National Party of Australia . Truss announced that he would resign from the Ministry. On 12 February, it was reported that Stuart Robert was resigning from the ministry after an internal investigation, ordered by Turnbull, concluded that he had "acted inconsistently with the Statement of Ministerial Standards". The investigation
6688-731: The Australian Sports Party , and to the Greens' Senator Scott Ludlam . In February 2014, the High Court ordered a new Senate election for Western Australia. Governor-General Quentin Bryce officially commissioned the Abbott ministry on 18 September 2013. Fifteen of Abbott's ministers had served in the Howard government. The Leader of the National Party, Warren Truss, became Deputy Prime Minister, Joe Hockey assumed
6864-561: The Boao Forum , Abbott said "Team Australia" is in China to "help build the Asian century". He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Bishop, Trade Minister Robb, five of Australia's state premiers, and 30 of the country's senior business executives. Abbott also discussed the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 , being led by Australia. Abbott announced military co-operation between
7040-563: The Medical Research Future Fund ; and produced White Papers on Developing Northern Australia and the Agricultural Competitiveness . Treasurer Joe Hockey delivered two Budgets, the first focused on expenditure reduction measures, but faced a hostile reception in the Senate and media. Partial deregulation of universities, and a $ 7 contribution to doctor visits were proposed, but blocked by
7216-534: The Medical Research Future Fund ; and produced white papers on developing Northern Australia and the Agricultural Competitiveness . In international affairs, Abbott concluded free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea. He challenged the Russian president Vladimir Putin over Russia's actions in Ukraine and over the shooting down of Malaysian Flight MH17 in Ukraine. He committed Australian forces to
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7392-830: The Minister for Industry and Science . Julie Bishop became the first woman to represent Australia as Minister for Foreign Affairs. In Opposition, Abbott and Bishop pledged that a Coalition government would shift Australia's foreign policy focus to be "less Geneva, more Jakarta". Abbott chose the Indonesian capital as his first overseas destination, and travelled to Jakarta on 30 September 2013, to meet with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 30 September 2013. In October, Abbott returned to Indonesia to attend his first APEC leaders' summit , to discuss trade and economic relations and meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping , US Secretary of State John Kerry and other world leaders. Following
7568-544: The Monarchy in Australia amidst the Keating government's campaign for a change to a republic. Abbott renounced his British citizenship in 1993. Between 1993 and 1994, Abbott was Executive Director of ACM. According to biographer Michael Duffy, Abbott's involvement with ACM "strengthened his relationship with John Howard, who in 1994 suggested he seek pre-selection for a by-election in the seat of Warringah". Howard provided
7744-574: The Morrison government . In mounting his 2015 public challenge for the leadership, Turnbull cited extended poor polling in Newspoll by the Abbott government and said Australia needed a new style of "economic leadership". Turnbull appointed Morrison as Treasurer in an expanded ministry , promoting several key supporters. Julie Bishop remained as Minister for Foreign Affairs . Conservatives Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz and Kevin Andrews were sent to
7920-687: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Turnbull met with Indonesian president Joko Widodo and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on his November 2015 world tour and discussed trade. Andrew Robb signed the TPP in February 2016. Health minister, Sussan Ley sought feedback on private health insurance . Hepatitis C treatments were subsidised from March 2016 under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme . On 13 January 2017, Turnbull announced that Ley had resigned from
8096-549: The United Nations Security Council to adopt a unanimous resolution, demanding that the armed groups in control of the crash site refrain from interfering with it and allow for the repatriation of victims and an international investigation into the attack. Bishop was honoured by The Netherlands for her role in securing the resolution and investigation. The downing of the flight had resulted in 298 deaths, including 38 Australian citizens and residents. In
8272-493: The University of Sydney , and then attended The Queen's College, Oxford , as a Rhodes Scholar , studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics . After graduating from Oxford, Abbott briefly trained as a Roman Catholic seminarian , and later worked as a journalist, manager, and political adviser. In 1992, he was appointed director of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy , a position he held until his election to parliament as
8448-610: The 12-member council was headed by Warren Mundine . In Opposition, Abbott promised to spend a week a year in remote indigenous communities. In September 2014, Abbott and a number of Cabinet Ministers and Departmental Heads set up camp in an Aboriginal Community in Arnhem Land , near Nhulunbuy , 600 kilometres (370 mi) east of Darwin . The Prime Minister discussed land tenure, welfare and constitutional recognition . On his August 2015 week in remote indigenous communities, Abbott again discussed constitutional recognition and became
8624-455: The 2007 election. On 31 October, he apologised for saying "just because a person is sick doesn't mean that he is necessarily pure of heart in all things", after Bernie Banton , an asbestos campaigner and terminal mesothelioma sufferer, complained that Abbott was unavailable to collect a petition. In The Australian Doctor 's 2015 poll, Tony Abbott was ranked as the third "worst health minister in 35 years", as voted on by doctors. Peter Dutton
8800-485: The 2009 vote on the Rudd government $ 42 billion stimulus package because he fell asleep in his parliamentary office after a night of drinking. When asked by a journalist whether he had been drunk, Abbott said "that is an impertinent question" and that he "wasn't keeping count" but thought it was "maybe two" bottles of wine. In a 60 Minutes interview aired on 7 March 2010, Abbott was asked: "Homosexuality? How do you feel about that?". He replied: "I'd probably feel
8976-555: The 2013 election campaign, Tony Abbott promised a "comprehensive tax white paper" to look at tax reform. In June 2014, Abbott launched the Reform of the Federation white paper, with an eye to clarifying "roles and responsibilities for states and territories so that they are as far as possible, sovereign in their own sphere". In March 2015, Joe Hockey launched the Abbott government's Tax White Paper titled "Re:think". After taking over
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#17327870824549152-512: The 2013 election, Abbott said of his time as a trainee priest: "The Jesuits had helped to instil in me this thought that our calling in life was to be, to use the phrase: 'a man for others'. And I thought then that the best way in which I could be a 'man for others' was to become a priest. I discovered pretty soon that I was a bit of a square peg in a round hole … eventually working out that, I'm afraid, I just didn't have what it took to be an effective priest." Abbott worked in journalism, briefly ran
9328-583: The 2013 federal election but Abbott had not re-appointed him to the Ministry, and Brough was a backer of the Turnbull leadership push. Andrew Robb had served as Trade Minister in the Abbott government and oversaw free-trade negotiations for Abbott and Turnbull. He announced his retirement in February 2016, but remained assisting in the Trade portfolio. Steven Ciobo became Minister for Trade and Investment in his place. On 11 February 2016, Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss , announced his decision to retire at
9504-416: The Abbott government, Turnbull had distanced himself from the policy emphasis of Abbott by downplaying the threat of Islamic State to the wider world, saying the group was "not Hitler's Germany, Tojo's Japan or Stalin's Russia". A 15-year-old Islamist shot and killed a police finance worker outside Parramatta Police Station on 2 October 2015. Turnbull called on Australians to show "mutual respect" following
9680-485: The Australian Constitution, and noted that the 44th parliament would have two Indigenous members. Liberal MP Ken Wyatt chaired an all-party Parliamentary Committee examining the issue, and released a report in June 2015 ahead of a bi-partisan summit. In NAIDOC Week 2015, Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten jointly hosted a summit with around 40 indigenous leaders at Kirribilli House to discuss
9856-495: The Australian taxpayer, you wonder why I wouldn't trust them to build a canoe?" the Minister told Parliament. Labor campaigned at the by-election on the issue, and linked Abbott to the state vote. Labor won the traditionally Liberal seat by just five votes from a 7.27 percent two-party swing to go from minority to majority government . On 8 March 2014 Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared and presumably crashed somewhere in
10032-657: The British and the French to join him in lobbying the Obama Administration to escalate its campaign against the Islamic State, and to deploy Australian Special Forces to find and kill ISIS leaders. In September 2015, the Abbott government expanded Australia's military mission, by joining US-led airstrikes against IS targets in Syria, and announced that 12,000 additional refugees from the region would be accepted. Shortly after losing office, Abbott gave this appraisal of
10208-477: The Built Environment (Turnbull had initially dumped Briggs from the ministry, but when Bruce Billson declined to accept a demotion, Briggs was reinstated. Following a late-night incident involving a female DFAT staffer in a Hong Kong bar during an official visit in November, Turnbull prompted Briggs to resign and Briggs subsequently quit the Turnbull Ministry on 29 December 2015. The Australian Financial Review reported "government sources" claiming Briggs
10384-422: The COAG meeting. In the government's first major education policy decision, Education Minister Simon Birmingham announced that the Abbott government's proposed university deregulation plan would be postponed until at least 2017. Furthermore, Birmingham confirmed that any move to reform university funding would not be submitted to Parliament before the next election. In the 2017 Australian federal budget , it
10560-454: The Cabinet in 1998, Prime Minister Howard described him as an effective performer with an endearing style, whereas the Opposition described him as a "bomb thrower." Howard appointed Abbott to replace Kay Patterson as Minister for Health in 2003, during a period of contentious Medicare reform and a crisis in Medical indemnity Insurance, in which the price of insurance was forcing doctors out of practice. The Australian Medical Association
10736-409: The China and Australia would be developed to include high-level meetings, staff exchanges and joint exercises. He also announced that President Xi would address the Australian Parliament in 2015. The China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was signed in Canberra on 17 June 2015, by Andrew Robb, and the Chinese Commerce Minister, Gao Hucheng . Abbott hailed the agreement, saying that, along with
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#173278708245410912-419: The Coalition defeated the second Rudd government , ending six years of Labor government . The Abbott government was sworn into office on 18 September 2013. Less than two years later on 14 September 2015, Malcolm Turnbull defeated Abbott in a leadership ballot , 54 votes to 44 and the Turnbull government became the executive government of Australia. In economic policy, the Abbott government aimed to rein in
11088-478: The Coalition faced internal tensions. By March 2016, Labor and the Coalition were back to 50–50 in Newspoll results. In his final address to the media as prime minister, Abbott expressed pride in the record of his government, but warned against a "poll-driven" political culture and unnamed media figures and politicians who would "connive at dishonour" by spreading anonymous, self-serving claims: "A febrile media culture has developed that rewards treachery" he said. In
11264-401: The Coalition over Turnbull's support for the Rudd government 's climate change taxation policies, Turnbull was replaced as leader of the Liberals by Tony Abbott following a 2009 leadership spill . The Coalition's position in the polls was improved by the leadership change, and Abbott went on to lead the Coalition to the 2010 federal election (which resulted in a hung parliament) and to win
11440-399: The Environment and Water Resources in the Liberal-National coalition led by Prime Minister John Howard . Before entering Parliament, Turnbull had previously worked as a journalist, a barrister and a merchant banker. He also headed the Australian Republican Movement , and had been active in the failed "Yes" campaign for the 1999 republic referendum. The Howard government was defeated at
11616-401: The Federal cabinet approved the decision to launch air strikes in Iraq in response to concerns over ISIL militant groups. Abbott announced that the Australian mission was to "disrupt and degrade" Islamic State "at home and abroad". According to Defence analyst and Abbott confidant Catherine McGregor , Abbott was frustrated at the lack of a serious effort to destroy ISIS and wanted to approach
11792-467: The Gap " report to Parliament, Abbott said that Australia was failing to meet the "more important and the more meaningful targets" of reducing Indigenous disadvantage, and proposed to add a new target to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous school attendance within five years. Speaking at the Welcome to Country ceremony to mark the opening of the 44th Parliament in 2013, Abbott committed to pursuing recognition of Indigenous Australians in
11968-449: The German Chancellor agreed "Solutions have to be found to allow the European Union to better protect its external borders", but Turnbull did not endorse Abbott's view. News Limited reported that Turnbull "delivered a slap-down to Tony Abbott for lecturing European leaders over their refugee policies as he arrived in Berlin" to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel . Turnbull said "I have no intention or desire to give advice on these matters to
12144-401: The German Chancellor". On the night of 13 November, a co-ordinated series of terrorist attacks were launched on Paris by IS sympathisers, and over 120 people were killed. Turnbull, still in Germany following his meeting with Merkel, expressed "resolute solidarity with people of France" and held a meeting of the National Security Committee of Cabinet . Turnbull said a political solution, not
12320-449: The Germany-Australia Advisory Group, to advise on improving trade relations, and pursued trade agreements with Indonesia and India. On the Japanese leg of the 2014 trade mission, Abbott agreed the key elements of a free trade agreement with the government of Shinzo Abe . A number of concessions were secured for Australian agricultural exporters, while Australian tariffs on electronics, whitegoods and cars were to be lowered. Negotiations for
12496-416: The High Court for the West Australian Senate election to be declared void, on account of 1,375 ballot papers lost during a recount after the election. The initial count had declared the Liberals and Labor winners of four of six seats, with remaining two going to Zhenya Wang of the Palmer United Party, and Labor's Senator Louise Pratt. The faulty recount narrowly gave the final two seats to Wayne Dropulich of
12672-707: The Indian Ocean, within Australia's search and rescue zone. Consequently, the Chinese and Australian militaries co-operated in the search for the missing plane, and in April 2014 the People's Liberation Army asked to operate under Australian command in the largest international exercises in which it had ever participated. The Fairfax press reported: "It is believed to be the first time the PLA would operate under Western command in
12848-631: The Korean and Japan agreements, it would underpin Australia's prosperity in coming years. Labor campaigned against the agreement during the Canning by-election, but subsequently agreed to support the Turnbull government in ratifying the FTA. The Abbott government period saw the continued wind down of Australia's involvement in the Afghanistan conflict and moves to enhance co-operation with China, Japan and
13024-482: The Liberal Party rank and file and tensions continued in the parliamentary Party. Abbott said Turnbull supporters had plotted against him. The government reached the 30-consecutive-Newspoll-losses benchmark Turnbull had used to unseat Abbott, in April 2018. The Parliament faced a period of instability under the 2017–18 Australian parliamentary eligibility crisis , and the Turnbull government briefly lost its parliamentary majority and Deputy Prime Minister Joyce. Joyce
13200-725: The Liberal caucus to give him six months to improve the government's standing. The ABC reported that in the lead up to the motion, the Abbott government had been facing "leaks and growing media criticism". In the months after the failed spill motion, leaking and backgrounding against Abbott continued, but polling for the Coalition initially improved. Following the Second Hockey Budget in May 2015, Newspoll placed Abbott's approval rating at an eight-month high, and in front of Opposition leader Bill Shorten as better prime minister for
13376-538: The Liberal deputy position but losing 70–30. Prior to the ballot, the Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss , noted in a news conference that the Coalition agreement between the Liberal Party and the Nationals was negotiated with Abbott and that any change in leader would require it to be renegotiated. Political commentators stated that senior Nationals senators disliked the way that Turnbull handled
13552-537: The Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner in response and to lift productivity. The Liberal Party allowed members a free choice in the 1999 republic referendum . Abbott was one of the leading voices within the party campaigning for the successful "No" vote, pitting him against future parliamentary colleague and leading republican Malcolm Turnbull . When Abbott was promoted to
13728-427: The Opposition following a 2009 leadership spill in which he defeated the incumbent leader, Turnbull, by one vote. Rudd did not complete his first term in office, having been replaced by Julia Gillard following an internal Labor party leadership vote in June 2010 . Abbott led the Coalition to the 2010 federal election , which saw the Gillard government narrowly retain office by forming a minority government with
13904-405: The Paris attacks. Turnbull said he did not wish to "engage in a textual debate" from overseas. One of the reasons Turnbull gave for challenging for the Liberal leadership was dissatisfaction with the economic message and tone of the Abbott government. In his first press conference as Prime Minister-designate, Turnbull said the government needed to build confidence in the Australian economy amongst
14080-486: The Prime Minister would still hold his job in a week's time. The following day, the ABC's 7.30 reported that "The tensions between the Prime Minister and the colleagues campaigning to oust him are heading to a showdown." Liberal MPs Don Randall and Luke Simpkins called a February 2015 spill motion to spill the leadership positions of the party, though with no contender. The motion failed 61 to 39. Abbott reportedly asked
14256-541: The Prime Ministership, Turnbull intervened to delay the release of a tax green paper, and the Sydney Morning Herald reported: "According to bureaucrats, the green paper will now not be released until [2016], pending a full 'reset' on taxation policy and a rethink 'from the ground up'. In policy circles, that's regarded as code for the inclusion of the GST." Initially, Turnbull confirmed that
14432-646: The Queensland government's Wild Rivers legislation. Abbott and Pearson believed that the Queensland law would 'block the economic development' of indigenous land, and interfere with Aboriginal land rights . Abbott completed an Ironman Triathlon event in March 2010 at Port Macquarie , New South Wales. In April he set out on a 9-day charity bike ride between Melbourne and Sydney, the annual Pollie Pedal, generating political debate about whether he should have committed so much time to physical fitness. Abbott described
14608-623: The Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools, to examine evidence and make recommendations on how school funding should be used to improve school performance and student outcomes. This report, having followed an earlier report commissioned by the Gillard government and also chaired by Gonski between 2010 and 2013, was referred to as Gonski 2.0, and was published on 30 April 2018. Julie Bishop backed Turnbull's replacement of Tony Abbott as prime minister and retained
14784-540: The Rooty Hill RSL audience accorded Abbott victory. Gillard won the audience poll at Broncos Leagues Club meeting in Brisbane on 18 August. Abbott appeared for public questioning on the ABC's Q&A program on 16 August. Labor and the Coalition each won 72 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives , four short of the requirement for majority government , resulting in the first hung parliament since
14960-535: The Senate. The second Budget emphasised stimulus for the small business sector. Abbott campaigned in opposition and in office to halt the people smuggling trade, and unauthorised maritime arrivals ceased during his term of office under Operation Sovereign Borders . In foreign policy, Australia continued its military engagement in the Middle-East, amid the worsening Syrian conflict . In 2015, The Abbott government agreed to resettle an additional 12,000 refugees from
15136-579: The Shadow Industry Minister Sophie Mirabella lost her seat at the election. Bronwyn Bishop resigned as Speaker in 2015. Julie Bishop remained the only woman in Cabinet until Sussan Ley was appointed to Cabinet to replace Peter Dutton as Health and Sport Minister in 2014 when Dutton was made Immigration Minister in Abbott's Cabinet revision. Five other women were appointed to posts in the outer ministry, and one of
15312-619: The South Korean leg of the mission, Abbott signed the Australia Korea Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) with the government of Park Geun-hye in Seoul. The agreement reduced tariffs on primary products and reset the foreign investment review threshold to more than $ 1 billion. The Abbott trade mission continued on to China, where he met with Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping . In an address to
15488-619: The US-led air campaign against IS in Iraq and Syria. Turnbull replaced Abbott supporter Kevin Andrews with Senator Marise Payne , who became Australia's first female Defence Minister, amid Australia's deployment to the Mid-East. Shortly after Turnbull took office, Russia commenced a separate military intervention in Syria, against opponents of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad . US Secretary of State John Kerry , criticised Russia's tactics and told
15664-615: The United Nations in response that "we are now in position with France, Australia, Canada, Turkey, and other coalition partners joining the campaign, to dramatically accelerate our efforts". on 27 October, Abbott criticised the lack of progress of the US–led Coalition on the ground. Turnbull said there were no "current" plans to change the nature of Australia's deployment to the conflict. The ongoing threat of Islamist terrorism made its presence felt in Australia and abroad within
15840-555: The United States in regional defence operations, but also saw the deterioration of the Syrian Civil War and rise of the threat of Islamic State, along with an ongoing Islamist terrorism threat to Australia and its allies. Abbott committed to increasing Defence spending to two per cent of GDP within a decade. David Johnston served as Minister for Defence until December 2014, when he was replaced by Kevin Andrews . At
16016-632: The agreement began under the Howard government in 2007. Abbott said, "This is the first time that Japan has negotiated a comprehensive economic partnership agreement or free trade agreement with a major economy, particularly a major economy with a strong agricultural sector." Abe travelled to Australia in July to sign the Japan–Australia Economic Partnership Agreement , and address the Australian Parliament. On
16192-457: The annual out-of-pocket costs of Medicare cardholders to a maximum amount. In 2007, he attracted criticism over long delays in funding for cancer diagnostic equipment ( PET scanners). According to Sydney Morning Herald 's political editor, Peter Hartcher , before the defeat of the Howard government at the 2007 election , Abbott had opposed the government's centrepiece WorkChoices industrial relations deregulation reform in Cabinet, on
16368-499: The backbench. Joe Hockey left Parliament. The Turnbull government continued a number of Abbott government initiatives, promising a plebiscite legalising same-sex marriage, concluding Abbott era initiatives on an anti-domestic violence campaign, funding the National Disability Insurance Scheme , signing a China free trade deal, and reforming Senate voting. The April 2016 refusal of the Senate to pass
16544-403: The basis that the legislation exceeded the government's mandate, was harsh on workers, and was politically dangerous to the government. John Howard wrote in his 2010 autobiography that Abbott was "never a zealot about pursuing industrial relations changes" and expressed "concern about making too many changes" during Cabinet's discussion of WorkChoices. Abbott campaigned as Minister for Health at
16720-768: The battle against ISIS during the Syrian conflict , and agreed to resettle an additional 12,000 refugees from the region. He launched the New Colombo Plan to encourage educational exchange with the Indo-Pacific region. Domestically, Abbott campaigned for recognition of Indigenous Australians in the Australian Constitution , and promised a plebiscite on the issue of same-sex marriage . Abbott's "budget repair" measures proved unpopular, with his government's austere 2014 budget being widely criticised. Due to Abbott's poor opinion polling and personal unpopularity, he
16896-453: The battle against Islamic State: The rise of Daesh has turned it into a fight between bad and worse: the Assad regime whose brutality is the Islamic State death cult's chief local recruiter; and a caliphate seeking to export its apocalyptic version of Islam right around the world. Given the sheer scale of the horror unfolding in Syria, Iraq and everywhere Daesh gains a foothold – the beheadings,
17072-478: The burning house next door. On both of these occasions, he left the scene after the rescues and did not wait to be thanked. Following his time in Britain, Abbott returned to Australia and told his family of his intention to join the priesthood. In 1984 at the age of 26, he entered St Patrick's Seminary , Manly. Abbott did not complete his studies at the seminary, leaving the institution in 1987. Interviewed before
17248-403: The business community. Stephen Koukoulas of the progressive Per Capita think tank wrote for The Guardian that "economic growth is sluggish, unemployment is high, real wages are falling and consumer and business confidence are weak" and that Turnbull therefore had "a year to inject confidence and strength into the economy or else he will be swept from office and condemned to history as a wrecker of
17424-481: The cabinet debated giving the immigration minister new powers to strip dual nationals of their citizenship if they are supporters of terrorist organisations. Abbott, a former Indigenous Affairs Minister, reformed the portfolio and brought it within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet , saying: "There will be, in effect, a prime minister for Aboriginal affairs". Northern Territory Senator Nigel Scullion
17600-423: The carbon reduction policy in 2009, with other Nationals being "deeply upset" that Turnbull did not acknowledge the Nationals during his first press conference as Prime Minister-designate. Despite these very early tensions, the Nationals ultimately struck a new Coalition agreement with Turnbull on 15 September, shortly before Turnbull was sworn in as prime minister. As part of the agreement, responsibility for water
17776-533: The carbon tax, end the waste, stop the boats and build the infrastructure and the roads of the 21st century." The Liberal Party under Abbott, together with the National Party, led by Warren Truss, achieved a 3.65-point two-party-preferred swing at the 2013 election, winning 90 of the Australian House of Representatives seats compared with the Labor Party's 55. The Greens retained their one seat in
17952-435: The challenge posed by Islamist terrorism. Media critics accused Abbott of "sniping". In January 2016, Abbott announced his intention to recontest the seat of Warringah at the next election . He won the seat with 61.55% of the vote. On Turnbull's oft-cited key policy differences, climate change , republicanism and same-sex marriage , as well as wider policy generally, he stated his government would continue to follow
18128-498: The chamber, with Bob Katter of Katter's Australian Party also returned. Two independents won seats in the House, and the seat of Fairfax fell from the Nationals to Clive Palmer , leader of the newly formed Palmer United Party . The emergence of the fledgling Palmer United Party was a notable feature of the election. The new party secured a House of Representatives seat and three senators (although two senators subsequently split from
18304-523: The constitution . Abbott began his public life when he was employed as a journalist for The Bulletin , an influential news magazine, and later for The Australian newspaper. While deciding his future career path, Abbott developed friendships with senior figures in the New South Wales Labor Party , and was encouraged by Bob Carr , as well as Johno Johnson , to join the Labor Party and run for office. Abbott felt uncomfortable with
18480-482: The crucifixions, the mass executions, the hurling off high buildings, the sexual slavery – and its perverse allure across the globe, it's striking how little has been done to address this problem at its source. The United States and its allies, including Britain and Australia, have launched airstrikes against this would-be terrorist empire. We've helped to contain its advance in Iraq but we haven't defeated it because it can't be defeated without more effective local forces on
18656-456: The defeat of the Howard government at the 2007 election . Initially serving in the shadow cabinets of Brendan Nelson and then Malcolm Turnbull , Abbott resigned from the front bench in November 2009, in protest against Turnbull's support for the Rudd government 's proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Forcing a leadership ballot on the subject, Abbott narrowly defeated Turnbull to become
18832-478: The election of the Abbott government, US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden had been granted asylum by Russia after handing over large amounts of confidential information from US government databases to world media. Australian–Indonesian diplomatic relations began to suffer in the early months of the government, as The Guardian and ABC News began to publish material, which had been made public due to Snowden's leaking, suggesting that Australian spy agencies during
19008-661: The end of October 2013, Abbott travelled to Afghanistan with opposition leader Bill Shorten for a special ceremony at the Australian base in Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan, saying that "Australia's longest war is ending. Not with victory, not with defeat, but with, we hope, an Afghanistan that is better for our presence here." Afghan forces were scheduled to take over running of the camp in mid-December. Abbott met with US President Barack Obama in June 2014, in Washington, and approved
19184-534: The events as an opportunity to "stop at lots of little towns along the way where people probably never see or don't very often see a federal member of Parliament." In his first Budget reply speech as Opposition Leader, Abbott sought to portray the Rudd government's third budget as a "tax and spend" budget and promised to fight the election on the new mining "super-profits" tax proposed by Rudd . On 24 June 2010, Julia Gillard replaced Kevin Rudd as Australian Labor Party leader and prime minister. The replacement of
19360-467: The examples of the Syrian refugee intake and Roads to Recovery. Deloitte Access Economics estimates that the new spending totals $ 5 billion since May. The government said it would remove bulk-billing incentives for pathology services and reduce incentives for MRI services. The social security and welfare payment integrity measures from the previous budget would be broadened to increase revenue. In
19536-437: The family first lived in the suburb of Bronte and later moved to Chatswood . Dick Abbott established what was to become one of the largest orthodontics practices in Australia, retiring in 2002. Abbott attended primary school at St Aloysius' College at Milson's Point , before completing his secondary school education at St Ignatius' College, Riverview , both Jesuit schools. During his time at St Ignatius' College, one
19712-530: The federal Division of Warringah by-election in March 1994 following the resignation of Michael MacKellar . He easily held the safe Liberal seat in the Liberals' traditional Northern Beaches heartland, suffering a swing of only 1 percentage point in the primary vote. He easily won the seat in his own right at the 1996 general election . Before 2019, he only dropped below 59 percent of the two-party vote once, in 2001 ; that year independent Peter Macdonald ,
19888-557: The first Prime Minister to visit the grave of land rights champion Eddie Mabo . The government also reduced funding to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services ( ATSILS ) and associated policy officer positions in state governments, but not by as much as it had committed to during the election campaign. Tony Abbott Prime Minister of Australia Defunct Defunct Anthony John Abbott ( / ˈ æ b ə t / ; born 4 November 1957)
20064-528: The first months of the Turnbull government, with a shooting in Sydney, and major IS-inspired terror attacks in Paris, Beirut, Mali and elsewhere. Turnbull appointed Michael Keenan as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Counter Terrorism. Immigration Minister Dutton, an Abbott supporter, was excluded from the National Security Committee of Cabinet, reportedly over tensions between himself and Turnbull. As Communications Minister in
20240-422: The first six months of the Turnbull government, a number of senior ministers resigned. Jamie Briggs served as Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development in the Abbott government. An Abbott supporter, he reportedly injured his leg in a party in Abbott's office after Abbott was deposed as Prime Minister , and in which a table was damaged. Turnbull appointed Briggs Minister for Cities and
20416-427: The first time in six months. On 14 September 2015, Turnbull announced that he would be challenging Abbott. Turnbull cited extended poor polling by the Abbott government and a need for a new style of "economic leadership" as reasons for mounting his challenge: "We have lost 30 Newspolls in a row. It is clear that the people have made up their mind about Mr Abbott's leadership", he said. In response, Abbott said that he
20592-484: The former member for the state seat of Manly , held Abbott to only 55 percent. Abbott was the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (1996–1998), Minister for Employment Services (1998–2001), Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Small Business (2001), Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations (2001–03) and Minister for Health and Ageing from 2003 to November 2007. From early 2002 to October 2007, he
20768-671: The government announced the investment of $ 12 billion in F-35 joint strike fighters. Fairfax Political Editor Mark Kenny attributed the anti-Liberal swing in the 2014 Fisher state by-election in South Australia to Federal factors associated with the Defence Portfolio, writing: "People on both sides of the aisle in Adelaide say the dominant factor was the Abbott government's perceived intention to buy submarines 'off
20944-599: The government opposed the plan, however it won support from the Australian Greens. While Opposition Spokesman for Indigenous Affairs, Abbott spent time in remote Cape York Aboriginal communities as a teacher, organised through prominent indigenous activist Noel Pearson . Abbott repeatedly spoke of his admiration for Pearson, and in March 2010, introduced the Wild Rivers (Environmental Management) Bill to Parliament in support of Pearson's campaign to overturn
21120-427: The government's bill to re-establish a watchdog for the construction industry provided Turnbull with a double dissolution trigger. An election was held on 2 July, and the government was returned with its majority in the House of Representatives reduced to one seat. The 2016 election saw a resurgence of the right wing Pauline Hanson 's One Nation Party, and discontented conservative Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi left
21296-498: The ground. The government was concerned as early as August 2014 that the Indonesian militant Islamist terror group Jemaah Islamiah has aligned itself to ISIL (ISIS), and formed a potential threat. On 23 September, the government raised Australia's terror alert level from medium to high. In September 2014, an Islamic State supporter was shot dead after stabbing two policemen in Melbourne, and in December, an Islamic State supporter
21472-458: The handling of asylum seeker policy. He offered support to the Gillard government's National Disability Insurance Scheme , and matched the government on its first four years funding for the Gonski restructuring of education funding. He took a proposal for an expanded paid parental leave scheme, part funded by a levy on big business, to the 2010 and 2013 elections. If elected, he promised to instigate
21648-612: The introduction his ETS would be delayed until 2013. When appointed to the Liberal leadership, Abbott's Catholicism and moral beliefs became subjects of repeated media questioning. Various commentators suggested that his traditionalist views would polarise female voters. He told press gallery journalist Laurie Oakes that he did not do doorstop interviews in front of church but regularly faced pointed questions about his faith which were not being put to Prime Minister Rudd, who conducted weekly church door press conferences following his attendances at Anglican services. Abbott reportedly missed
21824-494: The issue of unauthorised immigrants upon boats arriving, particularly during the Oceanic Viking affair of October 2009 , saying, "John Howard found a problem and created a solution. Kevin Rudd found a solution and has now created a problem". During November 2009, Abbott resigned from shadow ministerial responsibilities due to the Liberal Party's position on the Rudd government's Emissions trading Scheme (ETS), leading to
22000-549: The lead up to the 2014 G20 meeting in Brisbane, Tony Abbott focused world attention on Russia's role in the shooting down of the civilian plane. In a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the APEC meeting in Beijing, Abbott reportedly told the president that Australia had information that the missile that destroyed the plane had Russian origin and that Russia should consider apologising and offering appropriate restitution to
22176-400: The leader of the Nationals, served as deputy prime minister until he retired in 2016 and was replaced by Barnaby Joyce . Joyce resigned in February 2018 and the Nationals' new leader Michael McCormack became deputy prime minister. The Turnbull government concluded with Turnbull's resignation ahead of internal leadership ballot which saw him succeeded as prime minister by Scott Morrison and
22352-403: The meeting of Liberal MPs plotting against Tony Abbott on the night before the spill" as Abetz and Dutton called on Bishop to explain. Former ministers Abetz and Andrews expressed some discontent at government direction, while Bruce Billson announced his retirement and Ian Macfarlane – with the support of Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss – attempted to switch to the National Party, but the move
22528-582: The modern awards system. Turnbull was sworn in as prime minister at around 1:30 pm AEST on 15 September 2015, by the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove , in a ceremony at Government House . Question Time for the House of Representatives was delayed until 2:30 pm AEST to accommodate this. Turnbull announced his new ministry on 20 September. In an extensive reshuffle, he dropped Joe Hockey , Eric Abetz , Ian Macfarlane , Kevin Andrews , Michael Ronaldson and Bruce Billson , increased
22704-556: The months following the leadership change, Coalition tensions remained. Liberal Party rank and file and backbench divisions emerged as a result of the replacement of an elected prime minister. Immigration Minister Dutton was excluded from the National Security Committee of Cabinet, reportedly over tensions between himself and Turnbull. In November, Fairfax reported: "Simmering tensions over the September leadership coup have flared up amid revelations Julie Bishop's chief of staff attended
22880-504: The murder. Amid the deteriorating Syrian Civil War and following Germany's decision to open its borders to large numbers of asylum seekers, Tony Abbott delivered the Margaret Thatcher Lecture in London on 28 October, and urged Europe to look to the Australian example of border management, and for the international community to do more to resolve the Syrian conflict. In a joint conference with Turnbull on 13 November,
23056-471: The number of liberals and decreased the number of conservatives in cabinet, female cabinet ministers rose from two to five, and Marise Payne was appointed as Australia's first female Minister for Defence . The number of cabinet ministers rose from 19 to 21. In addition to the Health and Sport portfolios which she held in the Abbott government, Sussan Ley was later appointed Minister for Aged Care. Within
23232-561: The numbers, noting that he was "obviously very closely identified with the outgoing prime minister." He said he would not rule out contesting the leadership at some time in the future. Of the three candidates, Abbott was the only one who had previous experience in Opposition. Nelson was elected Liberal leader in December 2007 and Abbott was assigned the Shadow Portfolio of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. As indigenous affairs spokesman, Abbott said that it had been
23408-585: The party and established the Australian Conservatives soon after. The now elected Turnbull government secured passage of the Registered Organisations and Australian Building and Construction Commission legislation. In 2017, it announced Federal funds for expansion of Snowy Hydro . In June 2017, it introduced the "Gonski 2.0" reforms to schools funding. Factional strains continued. Turnbull's ousting of Abbott had divided
23584-584: The party's leader and leader of the opposition . Abbott led the Liberal-National Coalition to the 2010 federal election , which resulted in a hung parliament , and an eventual victory for the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Abbott remained leader, and led the Coalition to a landslide victory at the 2013 election . After assuming office, the Abbott government implemented Operation Sovereign Borders in an effort to halt illegal maritime arrivals. It abolished several reforms enacted by
23760-414: The party). The Greens, which had been in alliance with Labor for the preceding three years, lost one senator and a third of their vote under new leader Christine Milne . The party had campaigned heavily against Abbott and promised to block his key election commitment to abolish the carbon tax it had jointly introduced with the Gillard government. The Australian Electoral Commission successfully petitioned
23936-453: The party. However, Howard defended the honesty of Abbott in this matter. Abbott conceded that the political threat One Nation posed to the Howard government was "a very big factor" in his decision to pursue the legal attack, but he also claimed to be acting "in Australia's national interest". Howard also defended Abbott's actions saying "It's the job of the Liberal Party to politically attack other parties – there's nothing wrong with that." As
24112-439: The post of Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Turnbull government. Andrew Robb supported Abbott, but remained Minister for Trade and Investment until announcing his retirement in February 2016. He was replaced by Steven Ciobo . Malcolm Turnbull's first overseas visit as prime minister was to New Zealand, in October 2015, where he met with Prime Minister John Key and discussed immigration rules. In November, he embarked on
24288-646: The post of Treasurer and Deputy Liberal Leader Julie Bishop became the first woman appointed Foreign Minister of Australia . Senator Mathias Cormann was promoted to the position of Minister for Finance. Of the three female members of the Abbott Shadow Cabinet, Julie Bishop retained her position in Foreign Affairs following the 2013 election, while Bronwyn Bishop became Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives , and
24464-475: The power to regulate this area of policy. During this time, Abbott likened the act of having an abortion to committing a murder, saying "we have a bizarre double standard, a bizarre double standard in this country where someone who kills a pregnant woman's baby is guilty of murder but a woman who aborts an unborn baby is simply exercising choice". Abbott introduced the Medicare Safety Net to cap
24640-497: The preceding government, including the Minerals Resource Rent Tax and Australia's carbon pricing scheme . His government aimed to rein in a federal budget deficit that reached A$ 48.5 billion by June 2014, and established the National Commission of Audit to advise on restoring the federal budget to surplus. Abbott instituted the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption ; founded
24816-558: The process for achieving Constitutional recognition. Abbott said he hoped the wording for a referendum could be concluded in 2016, for a referendum vote in 2017. Abbott announced the establishment of the Indigenous Advisory Council in November 2013. The government-appointed council was to meet three times a year with the Prime Minister and senior ministers to advise the government on policy implementation. Aimed at sparking "new engagement" with Indigenous Australians,
24992-549: The region. Abbott and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop challenged Russia at the United Nations over the shooting down of Malaysian Flight MH17 in Ukraine . The government launched the New Colombo Plan to encourage educational exchange with the Indo-Pacific region. Domestically, Abbott campaigned for recognition of Indigenous Australians in the Australian Constitution , flagging a referendum for 2017, and promised
25168-530: The resignation of other shadow ministers. On 1 December 2009, Abbott was elected to the position of Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia over Turnbull and Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey . Abbott proposed blocking the government's ETS in the Senate whereas Turnbull sought to amend the bill which the majority of the Liberal Party did not support. Abbott named his Shadow Cabinet on 8 December 2009. Abbott described Prime Minister Rudd's Emission Trading plan as
25344-522: The responsibility of the Department of Environment, which was seen as a sign that the agencies were going to be retained. Australia attended the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference and adopted the Paris Agreement . The agreement includes a review of emission reduction targets every 5 years from 2020. During the term of the Abbott government, Australia had committed to supporting
25520-463: The role of unions within the party, however, and wrote in his biography that he felt Labor "just wasn't the party for me." From 1990 to 1993, he was press secretary to Liberal Leader John Hewson , helping to develop the Fightback! policy. Prime Minister John Howard wrote in his autobiography that Abbott considered working on his staff before accepting the position with The Bulletin , and it
25696-616: The same policies of the Abbott government . Reflecting a change in the Abbott government stance concerning the Australian honours system , on 2 November 2015, Turnbull announced that the Queen approved the government's request to amend the Order's letters patent and cease awards as Knights and Dames in the Order of Australia after Cabinet agreed that the titles were no longer appropriate in
25872-668: The shelf' from Japan rather than build the high-tech vessels in South Australia as had been promised." Days prior to the by-election, the Defence Minister David Johnston had denounced the capabilities of the Australian Submarine Corporation which wanted to construct Australia's new submarine fleet at Adelaide, saying the company was at least $ 350 million over budget in building three air warfare destroyer ships: "You wonder why I'm worried about ASC and what they're delivering to
26048-412: The social sector. The three-hour meeting did not result in any policy commitments, but the participants agreed on the need for economic growth, returning to a budget surplus, increasing employment, investing in infrastructure and pushing for innovation and increased productivity. The MYEFO was expected to include savings measures, as Morrison had stated that "any new spending must be fully offset", giving
26224-495: The summit, Abbott travelled to Bali, where he laid a wreath at the memorial of the 2002 Bali bombing. He also announced a commitment to extend compensation to Australian victims of terrorist attacks, allowing payments of up to A$ 75,000 to those who suffered in attacks on New York, London, Egypt, Mumbai, Jakarta, Bali and Nairobi since 2001. In Brunei, Abbott also attended his first East Asia Summit with world leaders, including India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh . In 2013, prior to
26400-466: The support of four crossbench MPs after the election produced a hung parliament . Leadership instability in the Labor Party continued, and Gillard was replaced by Rudd following a Labor ballot conducted shortly before the 2013 election. As Opposition Leader, Abbott opposed the Rudd–Gillard government's introduction of a mining profits tax, and emissions trading scheme and carbon tax, and criticised
26576-580: The term of the previous government had spied on the Indonesian President and his wife. The alleged spying had taken place soon after the July 2009 bombing of Jakarta's Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels. Indonesia recalled its ambassador over the affair. During the 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine , Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down in a missile attack. Julie Bishop and Australia's UN Ambassador Gary Quinlan led negotiations at
26752-796: The twelve parliamentary secretaries is female. Philip Ruddock , the longest serving member in the Parliament, was appointed Chief Government Whip. Eric Abetz retained the portfolio of Employment, George Brandis was appointed Attorney-General, Christopher Pyne as Education Minister, and Abbott's former leadership rival Malcolm Turnbull took Communications. In his speech following his swearing-in ceremony, Abbott said his government would "strive to govern for all Australians": "We won't forget those who are often marginalised; people with disabilities, Indigenous people and women struggling to combine career and family. We will do our best not to leave anyone behind. We hope to be judged by what we have done rather than by what we have said we will do." The Abbott ministry
26928-439: The victims of the shooting. Russia continued to deny involvement. Andrew Robb served as Minister for Trade and Investment . In April 2014, Abbott led a trade delegation to Japan, South Korea and China. The three economies accounted for more than half of all of Australia's two-way trade. By the close of his tenure, Abbott's government had struck free trade agreements with the three nations. The Abbott government also established
27104-452: Was "an ugly and often violent time", and Abbott's tactics in student politics were like "an aggressive terrier". Abbott organised rallies in support of Governor-General John Kerr after he dismissed the Whitlam government in November 1975, as well as a pro- Falklands War demonstration during his time at Oxford. At St. Ignatius College, Abbott had been taught and influenced by the Jesuits . At university, he encountered B. A. Santamaria ,
27280-405: Was "dismayed by the destabilisation that's been taking place now for many, many months" and that Australia needed "strong and stable government and that means avoiding, at all costs, Labor's revolving-door prime ministership". A September 2015 leadership spill was called, with Turnbull challenging Abbott, and winning by 54 votes to 44, and Abbott supporter Kevin Andrews challenging Julie Bishop for
27456-467: Was a British citizen by birth in the UK and by descent from his British-born father. He did not hold Australian citizenship from birth, as at the time Australian citizenship by descent could only be acquired from the father. Abbott became a naturalised Australian citizen on 26 June 1981, apparently so as to become eligible for a Rhodes scholarship. On 12 October 1993, he renounced his British citizenship to be eligible to run for parliament under section 44 of
27632-412: Was accused of sexual harassment . Mal Brough was stood down from the ministry at the same time as Briggs resigned. Brough's standing down followed news that the Australian Federal Police were investigating him over an alleged copying of the diary of former speaker Peter Slipper . Brough had served as a Minister in the Howard government , but lost his seat in the 2007 election. He was re-elected at
27808-453: Was also the Leader of the House in the House of Representatives. In 1998, Abbott established a trust fund called "Australians for Honest Politics Trust" to help bankroll civil court cases against the One Nation Party and its leader Pauline Hanson . Prime Minister John Howard denied any knowledge of existence of such a fund. Abbott was also accused of offering funds to One Nation dissident Terry Sharples to support his court battle against
27984-399: Was announced that university funding would be a reduced by 2.5%.; university fees would go up by $ 2,000 to $ 3,600 for a four-year course, an increase of 1.8% in 2018, and 7.5% by 2022; and from 1 July 2018, the income level at which HECS debt repayments start would be reduced, from $ 55,000 to $ 42,000. In 2017 the Turnbull government commissioned David Gonski to chair an independent panel,
28160-456: Was appointed the Minister for Indigenous Affairs in the Abbott Ministry. Scullion also served as Leader of the Nationals in the Senate. In 2013, Andrew Forrest was chosen to lead a review into Indigenous employment and training programs, which was to report to the Australian government. The review was delivered on 1 August 2014, with 27 recommendations. This was the genesis of the Healthy Welfare Card initiative. In his February 2014 " Closing
28336-498: Was blocked by the Liberals. Hockey's seat of North Sydney went to a by-election, which saw a 12.84% swing against the Liberal Party. Abbott criticised the leaders of the effort to bring him down, and promised "no sniping" in his final speech as prime minister. On 16 September, it was reported that Abbott intended to stay in parliament. As a backbencher, Abbott continued his commentary on the record of his government and on world affairs, particularly in relation to national security and
28512-473: Was born in Newcastle upon Tyne , England. At age 16, Dick Abbott moved to Australia with his parents. Two years later, in 1942, he was called up to the Royal Australian Air Force . Dick Abbott and his mother returned to the UK in 1954 where he met and married Fay Peters, a dietitian. On 7 September 1960, Abbott, his parents, and younger sister Jane, left the UK for Australia on the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme ship SS Oronsay . Settling in Sydney,
28688-428: Was defeated by rival Malcolm Turnbull in a September 2015 leadership spill , and replaced as prime minister. He remained in the Parliament as a backbencher , until he lost his seat of Warringah to independent candidate Zali Steggall at the 2019 federal election . In September 2020, he was named an adviser to the British government's Board of Trade . Abbott continues to contribute to international public debate as
28864-438: Was his teachers was John Kennedy , who would later go on to serve as the member for Hawthorn . He graduated with a Bachelor of Economics (BEc) in 1979 and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1981 from the University of Sydney . He resided at St John's College and was president of the Student Representative Council . Influenced by his chaplain at St Ignatius', Father Emmet Costello, he then attended The Queen's College, Oxford , as
29040-416: Was holidaying with his family in Bali when the Bali bombings occurred. Abbott visited the victims of the bombings in hospital, and in his capacity as Health Minister organised for Australians who required lifesaving emergency surgery and hospitalisation to be flown to Singapore. In 2006, Abbott controversially opposed access to the abortion drug RU486 , and the Parliament voted to strip Health Ministers of
29216-444: Was into a 2014 private trip to China during which Robert had met with a Chinese government minister at an agreement signing ceremony between Chinese and Australian companies. Following these retirements and resignations, a ministerial reshuffle was announced on 13 February 2016. The new ministry , including Barnaby Joyce , who had been elected as leader of the National Party on 11 February and therefore became deputy prime minister,
29392-428: Was making a speech at the College of Advanced Education in Kuring-gai, Sydney. Abbott pleaded not guilty, and the charges were ultimately dropped. Abbott was a student boxer, earning two Blues for boxing while at Oxford. When Abbott was a student, on one occasion he rescued a child who had been pulled out into the sea by the current. On another occasion, while drinking at a pub, he helped rescue children from
29568-426: Was moved from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs into the Prime Minister's Office, with Michaelia Cash appointed Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women . The ministry also divided responsibilities for science between the portfolios of Education, under Christopher Pyne, and Industry, under Ian McFarlane . The December 2014 Cabinet reshuffle saw Ian McFarlane become
29744-448: Was not announced for an unusually long period and the Agence France Presse reported that Abbott had set out to stamp a "markedly different style on government" standing "in stark contrast to the 'chaos' he liked to accuse his Labor predecessors of fomenting as almost hourly soundbites, lengthy press conferences and briefings were cranked out in an effort to control the 24-hour news cycle". Responsibility for women's policies and programs
29920-414: Was on Howard's recommendation that Hewson engaged Abbott. According to Howard, he and Abbott established a good rapport, but Hewson and Abbott fell out shortly before the 1993 election , and Abbott ended up in search of work following the re-election of the Keating government . He was approached to head Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM), the main group organising support for the maintenance of
30096-477: Was ranked the overall worst. The Coalition lost government in 2007 and Abbott was re-elected to the seat of Warringah with a 1.8% swing toward the Labor Party. Following Peter Costello 's rejection of the leadership of the Parliamentary Liberal Party, Abbott nominated for the position of party leader , along with Malcolm Turnbull and Brendan Nelson . After canvassing the support of his colleagues, Abbott decided to withdraw his nomination. He seemingly did not have
30272-402: Was re-elected, but in February 2018 Turnbull denounced him and forced his resignation after the press reported on an office affair he had been conducting with a staffer. By-election losses in July 2018 further diminished Turnbull's authority. Dissent from conservative MPs over issues such as energy prices and immigration levels grew during Turnbull's final months. On 21 August, Turnbull announced
30448-400: Was shot dead after taking hostages and holding up a café in Martin Place, Sydney, in an attack in which two hostages died. A month later, Abbott condemned the Charlie Hebdo terror attacks in France as an "unspeakable atrocity". When 60 people were killed in attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait on one day on 27 June, Abbott said: "This illustrates yet again that as far as the Daesh death cult
30624-466: Was sworn in on 18 February 2016. Fiona Nash , who had been elected as Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Darren Chester and Steve Ciobo moved into the cabinet. A range of other appointees to the outer ministry were also sworn in. Turnbull confirmed that his government would keep the emissions reductions targets set by the Abbott government . Under Turnbull, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and Clean Energy Finance Corporation were transferred to
30800-439: Was threatening to pull out all Australian doctors. Abbott worked with the states to address the crisis and keep the system running. Health care initiatives instigated by Abbott include the Nurse Family Partnership, a long term scheme aimed at improving conditions for indigenous youth by improving mother-child relationships. The scheme was successful in reducing child abuse and improving school retention rates. In 2005, Abbott
30976-440: Was transferred from Liberal Greg Hunt 's environment portfolio to Nationals Barnaby Joyce 's agriculture portfolio. The Nationals successfully negotiated a total of $ 4 billion worth of deals from Turnbull in exchange for a continued Coalition agreement. They also received assurances from Turnbull that he would maintain the policy positions of the Abbott government in relation to carbon pricing and in relation to requiring
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