Zimpapers Logo

Australian Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott

SYDNEY. – Australian Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott yesterday began the transition to government, promising a methodical approach as he faced potential hurdles in the upper house to drive through his reform agenda. The conservative leader, who ended six years of Labour rule on Saturday, held meetings in Canberra to hammer out the way forward, ahead of being sworn in to take over from Kevin Rudd, likely next week.
“My emphasis will be on being purposeful, methodical, calm and conscientious,” he told Fairfax Radio.

Abbott has begun forming his front bench, so far confirming that National Party leader Warren Truss will be his deputy, Julie Bishop will be foreign minister and Joe Hockey the treasurer.

But while his Liberal/National coalition is forecast to enjoy a 32-seat majority in the lower House of Representatives, the makeup of the upper house Senate is not yet clear.

Up to seven minor party candidates could secure seats to hold the balance of power thanks to voter dissatisfaction with the main parties – complicating the new government’s legislative push.

With 39 votes required to get legislation through the 76-seat Senate, Abbott will need to lock in six of these marginal votes — which could include the Australian Sports Party and the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party – to pass bills, on current projections.

Abbott said Labour and the minor parties should respect the new government’s mandate and not stand in its way.
“In the end they all need to respect the government of our nation has a mandate and the parliament should work with the government of the day to implement its mandate,” he said.

“Now I know it’s a two-way street and respect has got to be earned rather than merely demanded, but nevertheless the people voted for change and change they will get.” Abbott has vowed to quickly scrap corporate pollution and mining profits taxes imposed under Labour and introduce a costly and controversial paid parental leave scheme. But he said he would wait for the dust to settle before forging ahead with his agenda.

“The last thing I want to do is to rush the parliament back for a photo opportunity before the substance of the work is there for it to do,” Abbott said. – AFP.