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Second Turnbull ministry

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78-476: Prime Minister of Australia [REDACTED] The second Turnbull ministry ( Liberal – National Coalition ) was the 70th ministry of the Government of Australia , led by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull . It succeeded the first Turnbull ministry following the 2016 Australian federal election on 2 July 2016. On 13 January 2017, Sussan Ley resigned from her portfolios after an expenses scandal. In

156-843: 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 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

234-453: 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

312-478: 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

390-600: 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

468-600: 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

546-688: 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 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

624-399: 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

702-655: A member of parliament under section 44 of the Australian Constitution . Barnaby Joyce took on Canavan's portfolio. On 27 October 2017, Joyce and Fiona Nash were disqualified from parliament by the High Court, also due to holding dual citizenship, while Canavan was ruled eligible. The ministry ended with Malcolm Turnbull's replacement by Scott Morrison following the Liberal Party of Australia leadership spills, 2018 . The first arrangement of

780-662: A member of the parliament, after discovering that he was considered by the Italian authorities to be a citizen of Italy. Dual citizens are ineligible to be elected or sit as a member of parliament under section 44 of the Australian Constitution . The third arrangement of the second Turnbull ministry was sworn in by the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, on 27 October 2017 following the High Court ruling that Barnaby Joyce and Fiona Nash were invalidly elected due to holding dual citizenship . The same ruling found that Canavan

858-650: 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

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936-460: 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 the backbench. Joe Hockey left Parliament. The Turnbull government continued a number of Abbott government initiatives, promising

1014-516: 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 the government's bill to re-establish a watchdog for the construction industry provided Turnbull with a double dissolution trigger. An election

1092-478: 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

1170-512: 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 , 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

1248-608: 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

1326-472: The Australian House of Representatives seat of New England was held on 2 December 2017. Previous incumbent Barnaby Joyce , serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader from February 2016 until October 2017 when his seat of New England was declared vacant, won the by-election with a large primary and two-party swing. Amid the 2017–18 Australian parliamentary eligibility crisis ,

1404-687: 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

1482-555: 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

1560-639: 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

1638-459: 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 was re-elected, but in February 2018 Turnbull denounced him and forced his resignation after

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1716-416: 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

1794-668: 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

1872-473: 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

1950-534: 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

2028-631: The Commonwealth while Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove was overseas. Michael McCormack took on Joyce's roles after being elected National Party leader that morning. Rearrangement of other portfolios took effect from 5 March 2018 when the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove swore in the newly appointed Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries: Darren Chester as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel; Keith Pitt as Assistant Minister to

2106-682: The Deputy Prime Minister; and Mark Coulton as Assistant Minister to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Damian Drum and Luke Hartsuyker were demoted from the ministry. The composition lasted until the 2018 Liberal Party of Australia leadership spills , when a number of ministers resigned from the cabinet to support the spill. These include Peter Dutton , Michael Sukkar , James McGrath , Concetta Fierravanti-Wells , Angus Taylor , Zed Seselja , Michael Keenan and Steve Ciobo . Turnbull refused to accept some. Turnbull

2184-634: 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

2262-536: 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

2340-725: 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

2418-408: 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

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2496-540: 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 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

2574-464: 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

2652-550: 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

2730-541: 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

2808-553: 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 the Liberal Party rank and file and tensions continued in the parliamentary Party. Abbott said Turnbull supporters had plotted against him. The government reached

2886-677: 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

2964-671: 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

3042-591: The United Kingdom , the recovery of Arthur Sinodinos from cancer, the changes to administrative arrangements with the creation of the Department of Home Affairs . Following Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce 's resignation from cabinet, the fifth arrangement of the second Turnbull ministry was sworn in on 26 February 2018 by the Governor of Victoria, Linda Dessau , in her capacity as Administrator of

3120-672: 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

3198-403: 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

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3276-423: 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

3354-435: 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

3432-642: 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 the Environment and Water Resources in the Liberal-National coalition led by Prime Minister John Howard . Before entering Parliament, Turnbull had previously worked as

3510-467: 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

3588-581: 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

3666-422: 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

3744-427: 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

3822-464: The following rearrangement, the roles of Greg Hunt and Arthur Sinodinos were changed, while Ken Wyatt became the first Indigenous Australian to serve as a federal minister. On 25 July 2017, Matt Canavan resigned from Cabinet over doubts as to his eligibility to be a member of the parliament, after discovering that he was considered by the Italian authorities to be a citizen of Italy. Dual citizens are generally ineligible to be elected or sit as

3900-514: The issue of a writ and the date of a by-election, the earliest Saturday that the by-election could take place was on 2 December. Former independent member for New England Tony Windsor , who retired at the 2013 election before unsuccessfully contesting the seat at the 2016 election with a 29.2 percent primary vote, announced he would not be nominating as a candidate in the by-election. Pauline Hanson's One Nation and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers also announced that they would not run. Early in

3978-467: 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

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4056-404: The ministry, following an expenses scandal. Greg Hunt was appointed as Ley's replacement as the Minister for Health and Sport, and Ken Wyatt was appointed Assistant Minister for Health and Minister for Indigenous Health and Aged Care, both with effect from 24 January 2017. 2017 New England by-election Barnaby Joyce National Barnaby Joyce National A by-election for

4134-567: 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

4212-556: 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

4290-557: 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,

4368-471: 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

4446-439: 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

4524-527: 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 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

4602-468: The resignation of Sussan Ley. Newly appointed ministers included Ken Wyatt AM , as the first Indigenous Australian to serve as a minister for an Australian Government department, appointed to the role of Minister for Indigenous Health and as Minister for Aged Care. Greg Hunt was appointed to Ley's former portfolios in Health and Sport; Arthur Sinodinos was appointed to Hunt's former portfolio as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. Scott Ryan

4680-522: 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

4758-616: 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

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4836-494: The second Turnbull ministry was sworn in on 19 July 2016 and continued unaltered until the resignation of Sussan Ley on 13 January 2017, following an investigation into her travel expenses. Arthur Sinodinos briefly acted in Ley's portfolios until the new ministry was sworn in on 24 January 2017. The second arrangement of the second Turnbull ministry was sworn in by the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, on 24 January 2017 following

4914-412: 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

4992-669: The trigger for the by-election was the judgment of the High Court of Australia sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns on 27 October 2017, which found that the sitting member, Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce , was ineligible under Section 44 of the Constitution to sit in the Parliament of Australia, by virtue of holding New Zealand citizenship at the time of his nomination and election. The seat

5070-405: 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

5148-412: 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

5226-399: 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,

5304-498: 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

5382-412: Was declared vacant by the High Court on the same day. Joyce had renounced his dual citizenship effective from August in order to become a sole citizen of Australia, and was thus eligible to run for the by-election. Speaker of the House of Representatives Tony Smith issued the writ for the election on 27 October 2017, the same day as the High Court's judgment. As at least 33 days must elapse between

5460-701: Was eligible, allowing him to return to the role of Minister for Resources and Northern Australia that had been held by Joyce in his absence. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull took on Joyce's portfolio of Agriculture and Water Resources, and Nigel Scullion took over as the parliamentary leader of the National Party, while the position of Deputy Prime Minister remained vacant with Julie Bishop serving as acting Prime Minister when necessary. Nash's roles were split between Darren Chester (Regional Development, Territories and Local Government) and Mitch Fifield (Regional Communications) as acting ministers. Joyce regained his Agriculture and Water Resource portfolio on 6 December 2017 after he

5538-494: Was given additional responsibilities as the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cabinet. David Gillespie , previously Assistant Minister for Rural Health was promoted as Assistant Minister for Health and Michael Sukkar was appointed as the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer. The position of Cabinet Secretary was abolished. On 25 July 2017, during the 2017 Australian parliamentary eligibility crisis , Matt Canavan resigned from Cabinet over doubts as to his eligibility to be

5616-480: 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 the party and established the Australian Conservatives soon after. The now elected Turnbull government secured passage of

5694-444: 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,

5772-408: Was ousted as party leader and Prime Minister and replaced by Scott Morrison . 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

5850-508: Was re-elected in the 2017 New England by-election . The fourth arrangement of the second Turnbull ministry was sworn in by the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, on 20 December 2017 following a period of ministerial resignations due to the 2017 Australian parliamentary eligibility crisis including the appointment of Scott Ryan as the President of the Senate , the retirement of George Brandis to take up Australian High Commissioner to

5928-556: 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

6006-440: 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

6084-598: 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 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

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