Abbott comments on Turnbull government: MPs react to former leader’s speech

TURNBULL government MPs yesterday welcomed Tony Abbott’s call to curb immigration, while senior ministers publicly condemned the ex-PM’s policy manifesto as “destructive commentary”.

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TURNBULL government MPs yesterday welcomed Tony Abbott’s call to curb immigration, while senior ministers publicly condemned the ex-PM’s policy manifesto as “destructive commentary”.

Mr Abbott delivered a speech that was highly critical of Malcolm Turnbull’s government and outlined a plan to win the election and beat Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

Moderate Liberal MP Jason Falinski, a factional opponent, welcomed the speech.

Warringah MP Tony Abbott and Mackellar MP Jason Falinski yesterday called on the NSW government to announce its plans for a tunnel bypassing the Spit Bridge.

“I think there are a lot of good ideas, which we should all look at, frankly,” Mr Falinski said. “We shouldn’t be afraid of ideas.”

Senator Eric Abetz, one of Mr Abbott’s greatest supporters, said colleagues should stop “gratuitous name-calling” of the ex-PM and look at his ideas.

“I would invite people to have a look at the policy suggestion from the former prime minister and debate them on their merits,” he said.

“Gratuitous name-calling will not assist in getting a narrative that resonates with the Australian people.”

Finance Minister Matthias Cormann, who did the numbers for Mr Abbott in the last leadership spill, said he was “flabbergasted” by “deliberately destructive” and “self-indulgent” remarks.

“I think it is very sad that Tony Abbott has chosen to go down this path. I certainly would like to think that he is going to reflect on what the better way forward would be for him and for our cause,” he said.

“I cannot see any scenario in which there is a return of Tony Abbott to the leadership of the Liberal Party.”

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said polls showed the government was better off with Mr Turnbull as PM.

“We are on the right track with Malcolm Turnbull and with the government’s policies,” he said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop rejected Mr Abbott’s assertion the government was “drifting towards defeat” but welcomed his ideas.

“A former leader of the party would have ideas and most certainly we encourage backbenchers as well as our ministers to always come up with policy initiatives,” she said.