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Tony Abbott faces Liberal leadership spill motion

TONY Abbott survived the leadership spill motion this morning, but his position is still anything but secure. Here’s everything you need to know.

Charis Chang and wires
11 min read
February 9, 2015 - 6:48AM
Abbott survives leadership spill but cops 39 votes against him

TONY Abbott has won the leadership spill motion but commentators believe the result is “devastating” and the Prime Minister has reportedly asked for six months to show he is a changed man.

Despite holding on to his position this morning by 61 votes to 39, SkyNews is predicting there could be another spill, even as early as later this week.

The ABC’s Barrie Cassidy said: “With 40 per cent of the party against you ... you’d almost have to have a bit of cheek to carry on”.

The result is already being compared to the first leadership contest between then-Treasurer Paul Keating and former prime minister Bob Hawke in June 1991, when Hawke held on 66 votes to 44. Keating got the confidence to mount a second and ultimately successful challenge six months later.

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The focus will now intensify on Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Social Services Minister Scott Morrison, the three colleagues who have the strongest credentials to replace him.

SkyNews was reporting from sources this morning that Ms Bishop would not contest the leadership if the spill motion succeeded. However, her office later refuted this.

There are reports that Mr Abbott is shaken by the spill motion result and Liberal MP Luke Simkins initially told SkyNews that Mr Abbott promised not to pursue the GP co-payment, but later backpeddled saying Mr Abbott only promised to consult.

Despite the strong vote against Mr Abbott, Mr Simkins told the ABC that he could not imagine initiating another move against the PM: “I would say that he has certainly been endorsed by the party room,” he said.

Mr Abbott reportedly described the vote on a spill motion in his party room as a “near death experience” and committed to making serious changes to the way he governs.

News Corp Australia has been told that Mr Abbott said in his address to colleagues that he had listened to their concerns. Mr Abbott reportedly described the vote as a “near death experience”.

In his speech, Mr Abbott also asked for six months to turn the ship around, according to The Guardian. Another spill supporter, Queensland MP Andrew Laming, appeared to give the prime minister six months to improve his performance.

Tony Abbott in the House of Representatives Chamber before speaking on a condolence motion on the Sydney siege today.
Tony Abbott in the House of Representatives Chamber before speaking on a condolence motion on the Sydney siege today.

“The feeling will be we can go to the budget with the prime minister and he will have a chance for a second budget and then we will see that sales process over the next six months,” Dr Laming said.

The shaky result could also pose a headache for NSW Liberal Premier Mike Baird, who has publicly backed Mr Abbott. NSW is scheduled to hold an election in March, following devastating losses for the Liberal Party in Victoria and Queensland elections.

As it happened:

11am

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has released a statement saying Australian families and the economy were paying the price for the chaos around the government.

“Tony Abbott promised he would run a stable and united government. This is his biggest broken promise yet,” Mr Shorten said.

“Every single member of the Abbott Cabinet voted to support this unfair and destructive Budget. It doesn't matter who leads the Liberals - it’s what they stand for that’s the problem.

“While the Liberal Government fights with itself, Labor will keep fighting for the people hurt by the government’s broken promises.”

Bill Shorten has seized on the leadership uncertainty to attack the government. Picture: AFP/Saeed KHAN
Bill Shorten has seized on the leadership uncertainty to attack the government. Picture: AFP/Saeed KHAN

10.16am

Tony Abbott has delivered a short statement following the spill motion saying the people deserve to keep the prime minister they elected.

“The Liberal Party has dealt with the spill motion and now this matter is behind us,” Mr Abbott said.

“We want to end the disunity, the uncertainty which destroyed two other governments, and give you the government you deserve.

“We think that when you elect a government, when you elect a prime minister, you deserve to keep that government and that prime minister until you have a chance to change your mind.

“So the focus now is once more on jobs, families, a stronger economy and a secure nation.

“I love this country and I will do my best to help our country to succeed.”

10.10am

Queenslander Mal Brough - who backed the spill motion - is being foreshadowed as a possible “stalking horse” and commentators believe a move by him or another to throw open the leadership cannot be discounted.

10am

It looks like Mr Abbott won’t be holding a press conference after the spill motion.

There are reports that he will provide a statement to a camera but will hold a later press conference around lunchtime before question time.

9.50am

A Liberal MP has told SkyNews that Mr Abbott made an “impassioned” pleas for unity during a speech after the spill motion.

The result has reportedly shaken Mr Abbott, and he has promised that there will be no more vetting of staff, and more consultation on policies.

MP Andrew Laming also told Fairfax that he will shelve his bill to scrap knights and dames to give Tony Abbott clear air.

9.40am

Meanwhile a cheerful looking Labor posse with coffee has also been spotted strolling past the Liberal party room as the leadership is decided.

9.35am

The result is already being compared to the first leadership contest between then-Treasurer Paul Keating and former prime minister Bob Hawke in June 1991, when Hawke held on 66 votes to 44. Keating got the confidence to mount a second and ultimately successful challenge six months later.

The ABC’s Annabel Crabb said the first of the two challenges “is not a world away from what we have seen today.”

Prime Minister Bob Hawke was successfully challenged by Treasurer Paul Keating after a second vote.
Prime Minister Bob Hawke was successfully challenged by Treasurer Paul Keating after a second vote.

9.20am

Commentators say despite surviving the vote, the result is “devastating” for Tony Abbott.

SkyNews are reporting there could be another spill later this week after two thirds of backbenchers voted against the Prime Minister.

The ABC’s Barrie Cassidy said: “With 40 per cent of the party against you ...you’d almost have to have a bit of cheek to carry on”.

9.16am

BREAKING: The motion has been defeated, 39 to 61 in favour of Tony Abbott.

Government whip Phillip Ruddock said “that seems to me to resolve the matter”.

“These matters are dealt with without debate. The result is clear. The Prime Minister is speaking now,” Mr Ruddock said.

Out of the 100 votes, 39 voted against Mr Abbott. There was also one informal vote, and one MP was away.

9.15am

The other woman flanking Tony Abbott as he strode into the partyroom alongside Julie Bishop this morning was Senator Linda Reynolds.

The little-known West Australian has previously been quoted as objecting to the spill motion.

She appears in contrast to her fellow WA backbenchers who have led the revolt against Abbott.

But if the PM was looking for a lucky charm, she may not have been a great pick. She’s previously been dubbed as the ‘unluckiest woman in Australian politics’

Linda Reynolds, PM Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop lead Abbott’s supporters into the Liberal party leadership spill at Parliament House Canberra. Picture: Craig Greenhill
Linda Reynolds, PM Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop lead Abbott’s supporters into the Liberal party leadership spill at Parliament House Canberra. Picture: Craig Greenhill

9.12am

Counting of the ballot is reportedly underway, according to a text message sent to SkyNews.

9am

SkyNews is now reporting that Ms Bishop’s office has denied that there was any agreement that she would not stand for the leadership if spill motion succeeds.

8.58am

Liberal MPs are arriving at the special party room meeting. Mr Abbott arrived with a large number of MPs including Julie Bishop, Christopher Pyne, Matthias Cormann and Joe Hockey.

Social Services Minister Scott Morrison arrived earlier, walking in with senator Arthur Sindinos.

While Malcolm Turnbull arrived alone, looking relaxed with a phone in his hand.

8.30am

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten must be enjoying the uncertainty around Mr Abbott’s leadership, saying this morning that “what we’re seeing today with the Liberal party ripping itself apart can’t happen anymore”.

“It’s not the identity of the salesman that matters here, it’s what they’re selling,” Mr Shorten said.

There was also speculation about Mr Shorten’s choice of a blue necktie, which became Mr Abbott’s favourite accessory after former PM Julia Gillard described him as the “man with a blue tie” in a famous Women for Gillard Speech.

8.20am

Sunrise has aired footage of Tony Abbott speaking at a Canberra church service this morning.

In his biblical reading ahead of the partyroom vote, Tony Abbott told the congregation the most important commandment was: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Read into that what you like.

8.15am

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Tony Abbott faces a leadership spill motion at 9am.

In order to succeed, the motion needs support from at least 51 of the 101 available votes. Only Liberal MPs will vote, National party MPs and senators will not attend.

The motion is the only item of business for a special party room meeting at 9am.

Mr Abbott will chair the meeting and a roll call is likely to be taken. The motion will be proposed and seconded but there is unlikely to be formal speeches or debate.

Mr Abbott has decided that the spill motion will be decided by a secret ballot, but he could have forced MPs to vote by a show of hands.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has suggested that the 41 cabinet members, ministers, parliamentary secretaries and whips should resign their positions if they vote to support the spill motion.

Joe Hockey arrives at Parliament House this morning. Picture: Gary Ramage
Joe Hockey arrives at Parliament House this morning. Picture: Gary Ramage

If the motion is successful, MPs would then vote for the position of leader and deputy leader. However, the two prospective leadership contenders, Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop, are yet to publicly announce they will stand against Mr Abbott should the spill motion succeed.

Sources have reportedly told SkyNews that Ms Bishop told Mr Turnbull on the weekend that she would not stand for the position of leader if the spill motion was successful.

The spill motion was due to be considered at the normal Tuesday party room meeting but Mr Abbott announced on Sunday that it would be brought forward to “end the uncertainty”.

It was brought by Western Australia MPs Luke Simpkins and Don Randall following a tumultuous few weeks of poor polling and heavy criticism of his leadership approach.

8.10am

There are suggestions that Malcolm Turnbull could have as many as 40 votes behind him.

The ABC is reporting both camps were declaring overnight that they had the numbers, but that Malcolm Turnbull was prepared to wait out today’s backbench revolt with the view to making another move against Tony Abbott in a few months’ time.

8am

Sources have told SkyNews that if the leadership spill motion does succeed, Julie Bishop has indicated that she would not be standing.

Apparently Ms Bishop came to an agreement with Malcolm Turnbull on the weekend that she would not contest the position.

Sources say Julie Bishop has told Malcolm Turnbull (left) she will not contest the leadership. Picture Cameron Richardson.
Sources say Julie Bishop has told Malcolm Turnbull (left) she will not contest the leadership. Picture Cameron Richardson.

7.50am

UPDATE: Senator Cory Bernardi has elaborated further on his comments about the leadership spill, saying it was not just the result of a backbench revolt and has accused Cabinet ministers on “Team Turnbull” of trying to ambush Tony Abbott.

“I do know there are members of Cabinet making promises on behalf of Mr Turnbull. I think that is grossly disloyal,” he told Radio National.

“There is no doubt this is an ambush.”

“There are too many people who think the Liberal Party is the vehicle for their own self indulgence, I don’t.”

Bernardi warned against a return to a Turnbull leadership, saying he had presided over the “biggest revolt of the grassroots of the Liberal Party simply because Mr Turnbull wouldn’t listen”.

He said the Liberal base would desert the party and “leave us in droves” if Mr Turnbull was successful.

Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy leave a fundraiser in Woollahra on the weekend. Picture: Cameron Richardson
Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy leave a fundraiser in Woollahra on the weekend. Picture: Cameron Richardson

7.50am

RECAP: According to SkyNews, seven Liberal MPs have publicly confirmed they would vote for a spill, including Victorian MP Sharman Stone and backbencher Andrew Laming.

Other MPs have come out in support of Mr Abbott saying they would oppose the motion, including Finance Minister Matthias Cormann, Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, WA backbencher Ian Goodenough, Liberal veteran Russell, Ewen Jones, senator Cory Bernardi and Matt Williams.

Those who have not indicated how they would vote include Education Minister Christopher Pyne, Warren Entsch and Ken Wyatt.

7.35am

Tony Abbott declined to take questions as he arrived at a church service in Canberra for the start of the federal parliamentary year.

Education Minister Christopher Pyne was already at the church and did not reveal how he intended to vote on the spill motion. “The government’s fortunes are always in my prayers,” he quipped.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton called on the party to pull together behind Mr Abbott.

“Tony Abbott has ... demonstrated the ability and desire to change things. I think that we can turn it around,” he told the Nine Network.

7.20am

Queensland backbencher Andrew Laming has changed his mind in the last 24 hours, now saying he will support the spill motion in the Liberal caucus room this morning.

Mr Laming said he had switched sides because the Prime Minister’s office is failing to listen to the ‘small issues’, and has not responded adequately to his private members bill to scrap knights and dames in Australia.

“I’ve changed my mind in the last 24 hours. Is there a credible path back for this government from where we are?

“I’ve been opposed to the spill until the last couple of days”, he told Sky News. “I’ve changed my mind in the last 24 hours.I think we’re in a very very difficult position. I think every MP needs to have in mind a credible path back from where we are.

Andrew Laming says he will support the spill motion. Picture: Mark Cranitch.
Andrew Laming says he will support the spill motion. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

7.15am

Only 101 Liberal MPs will be voting today, as Ross Vasta will be away as his wife just had a baby.

7.10am

Finance Minister Matthias Cormann told Radio National he would be backing the current leadership of Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop, saying the PM would survive today’s partyroom vote.

“Tony Abbott has been written off before...(he) has a track record of coming back better and stronger and that is what he’ll do now,” he said.

“He won the leadership in 2009 by one vote and ended up forming a successful team.”

He dismissed today’s disastrous Newspoll results, saying they did not properly reflect the public’s view after the PM’s Press Club speech last week, and believed the government could “get back into a winning position”.

“Given the week we’ve had, I’m surprised it isn’t worse,” he said of the poll.

“We clearly have some work to do. We’ve listened, we’ve learned and we will make some adjustments.

“I believe the PM and the leadership team needs more time... to get the new messages across.”

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is backing Mr Abbott.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann is backing Mr Abbott.

7.05am

Liberal senator Cory Bernardi has accused Malcolm Turnbull of orchestrating the spill motion in an interview on SkyNews, saying the communications minister was “up to his ears in this”.

He said that despite there being apparently no challenger to Mr Abbott in the spill motion, MPs have divided into the Turnbull camp and the PM camp.

“There may have been the seeds of discontent but they’ve been fed, they’ve been fertilised and they’ve been watered by those who have much to gain,” he told Sky News.

Mr Bernardi said that those plotting against the PM should not sit at the cabinet table, suggesting that Mr Turnbull should quit if the spill motion fails and flagging the possibility of continuing tensions.

Cory Bernardi has attacked Malcolm Turnbull over leadership tensions. Picture: Gary Ramage
Cory Bernardi has attacked Malcolm Turnbull over leadership tensions. Picture: Gary Ramage

6.45am

Liberal MPs have been coming out in support of Mr Abbott, with Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg telling SkyNews that support for Mr Abbott remains strong and that the spill motion will be defeated.

Hindmarsh MP Matt Williams has also told SkyNews that he would be voting against the spill motion, saying he thought it had been brought on prematurely.

6.15am

The day has not begun well for Mr Abbott with the latest Newspoll showing his personal approval at a record low, the lowest for any prime minister since Paul Keating in 1994.

However, Mr Abbott is still the most popular leader among Liberal voters, followed by Julie Bishop. Among the public, Malcolm Turnbull is the preferred prime minister, according to the poll published in The Australian.

The Coalition’s primary vote is down three points to an eight-month low of 35 per cent, 10 points below the election-winning result of September 2013. While its two-party preferred vote has slumped to 43 per cent, compared to Labor on 57 per cent.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/national/tony-abbott-faces-liberal-leadership-spill-motion/news-story/c1e4c570d40a53019c2d34a1155d69a5