By political reporter Susan McDonald 3 February 2015
Photo: Possible rivals: Tony Abbott with Julie Bishop (AAP: David Crosling)
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Prime Minister Tony Abbott has sidestepped questions over whether deputy Julie Bishop refused to give him a commitment she would not challenge for the leadership.
Sky News is reporting Mr Abbott made the request of Ms Bishop at a meeting between the pair in Sydney on Sunday.
On breakfast television this morning, Mr Abbott was repeatedly asked whether it happened, but did not give a direct answer.
"I think people find all that insider Canberra stuff so boring. So absolutely and utterly boring," Mr Abbott told Channel Seven.
"You know that the public aren't interested. Why don't we just leave all that insider gossip to the Canberra insiders and get on, get back to work."
Ms Bishop and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull both say they support Mr Abbott, but the ABC understands that neither of them has given a commitment to the Prime Minister not to challenge him.
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said it would be helpful if both Ms Bishop and Mr Turnbull publicly stated they would not challenge for the leadership.
"We need to see a situation where the Government governs," Mr Macfarlane told the ABC's AM program.
"I'd call on both Malcolm — who I know is not planning any leadership challenge because he gave me that assurance — but I also call on Julie Bishop to make that assurance."
A Cabinet meeting later today will be an opportunity for senior ministers to air any concerns they have about Mr Abbott's leadership.
But Mr Abbott insists it's a "stock standard" start-of-the-year Cabinet meeting.
"We'll be talking about where the Government is going — not just the big picture of where the Government is going, but where we are going portfolio by portfolio," he said.
"We'll have a good talk. That's what we do."
Treasurer Joe Hockey said this morning Mr Abbott would lead the Coalition to the next election.
Mr Hockey dismissed as "unsourced gossip" the reported account of Mr Abbott and Ms Bishop's meeting, while suggesting his colleagues should end their leadership chatter.
"If there were to be a change of leadership it would mean what, six prime ministers in eight years, really? I mean, come on, Australia needs to focus on doing what is right for Australians," Mr Hockey told Channel Nine.
Mr Hockey said he had not had conversations with Ms Bishop or Mr Turnbull about the leadership.
The Prime Minister is trying to focus on his key policies for the year and demonstrate that he is "back to work" by today visiting a childcare centre.
"This is going to be the year of the small business tax cut and more affordable child care with more money in parents' pockets," he said.
From other news sites:
- The Daily Telegraph: Treasurer Joe Hockey has dismissed a report that Julie Bishop declined to give PM assurance she wouldn't challenge leadership
- Daily Mail: Revealed: Tony Abbott asked Julie Bishop for her assurance that she would not launch a leadership challenge... but she REFUSED
- Australian Financial Review: Julie Bishop leaves open challenge to PM
- New York Times: Tony Abbott, Australian Leader, Pledges to Abandon Unpopular Policies
- News.com.au: Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivers National Press Club address in Canberra amid leadership crisis
