What’s this about staff? Tony Abbott confused about future entitlements

TONY Abbott says he’s keen to remain in parliament, but apart from that, the former prime minister’s plan for the future is missing some details.

Election13: Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on day 30 of the 2013 election campaign. Tony Abbott during his address at the National Press Club in Canberra. Photo By Gary Ramage

TONY Abbott says he’s keen to remain in parliament and kick it on the back bench, but aside from that, the former prime minister seems quite unsure about what’s ahead.

Radio host and Abbott cheerleader Alan Jones this morning said he’d had a long chat with the freshly deposed leader at the weekend, assuring his listeners his friend was coping.

“He’s OK and getting on with it,” he said.

But when it came to questions about the job ahead of him, and his entitlements, Abbott appeared to be unclear.

The 2GB presenter said he had told Abbott he could expect speaking invitations from all over, as he had “led the world” on national security during his tenure as PM.

“You’re going to need staff,” he told the dumped leader.

“What staff do I get?” was Abbott’s confused response.

When Jones asked him “don’t you know?”, he says Abbott responded: “No, I don’t really know what staff I get”.

‘He’s OK guys’ ... Jones said he has had a long chat with Tony Abbott.

Jones appeared to find the bemused response charming, saying it was a sign of Abbott’s humility, but suggested he “get down to Canberra and find out”.

There has been some confusion over what Mr Abbott would be entitled to, having served for four days shy of the two year mark which sees former prime ministers afforded a generous pension.

It is understood Mr Abbott will qualify for a $300,000 a year pension for serving two decades as an MP.

He should receive an extra $300,000 a year to go towards maintaining a staffed office and travel expenses, like other former prime ministers, though other entitlements are still up in the air.

And playing host at Kirribilli House.

Tony Abbott has kicked off his post-PM life by moving house. Pic: Brett Costello

Last week, Mr Abbott exclusively revealed to news.com.au he did intend to remain in parliament while he contemplates his future.

After unveiling his “21st century” cabinet, new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today confirmed he did not offer the former PM a cabinet position.

“It’s not something that Tony would seek either,” Mr Turnbull told the Nine Network.

Nope ... Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed he didn’t offer Abbott a cabinet position. Pic: Peter Parks