2015/16: The removal of Tony Abbott: Should an Australian Prime Minister be removed from office without a general election?





Introduction to the media issue

Video clip at right:
On September 14, 2015, On Demand News ran a news report of Malcolm Turnbull's replacement of Tony Abbott as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister of Australia. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.


What they said...
'The Prime Ministership of this country is not a prize or a plaything to be demanded. It should be something which is earned by a vote of the Australian people'
Former Australian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader, Tony Abbott

'Leadership of the party is a great honour... It is, moreover, the unique gift of the party room'
Former Australian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader, John Howard

The issue at a glance
Australia's most recent change of political leadership, Malcolm Turnbull replacing Tony Abbott as leader of the Liberal Party and as Australia's Prime Minister, has resulted in extensive comment on the volatility of Australia's political scene and some criticism that Australia changes its political leaders too readily.
A key aspect of this discussion has been whether a political party should be able to remove a Prime Minister put into office at a general election. When defending his position as Prime Minister against Malcolm Turnbull's challenge, Tony Abbott stated that the role should only be conferred 'by a vote of the Australian people.'
Critics of this claim note that it misstates Australia's Constitutional and political reality.