Prime Minister Tony Abbott during a press conference following the leadership spill vote yesterday. Photo / Getty
Prime Minister Tony Abbott during a press conference following the leadership spill vote yesterday. Photo / Getty
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott may have survived yesterday's tilt at his leadership, but he can still expect to be grilled by newly emboldened backbenchers this morning.
MPs will get the chance to ask questions of Mr Abbott and his ministers, and voice their concerns, when the coalition joint party room meeting gets under way from 9.30am (11.30am NZT) in Canberra.
Mr Abbott has promised to be more consultative and "socialise" the decision making process on policy, after a motion to spill the Liberal leadership was defeated 61 to 39 on Monday.
Former assistant treasurer Arthur Sinodinos, who had supported the spill motion, said the meeting would be a "new paradigm" for the government.
"I suspect you'll find a lot of MPs on their feet raising issues," he told ABC Radio.
"I think there's a new assertiveness on the backbench."
Fellow Liberal Warren Entsch, who also backed the spill motion, expects his colleagues to raise unpopular policy plans such as the GP visit co-payment.
"I would expect that we would have further discussion on issues such as that," he told ABC Radio.
A chastened Mr Abbott met party committee chairs and ministers on Monday afternoon to discuss ways to re-engage with MPs and the community.
Mr Abbott says he's heard the message from the leadership vote and won't pursue legislative fights with the Senate the government cannot win.
Medicare changes are still being negotiated with medical professional groups and the lower house will debate controversial university deregulation plans on Tuesday.
The Labor caucus will also meet on Tuesday, after being buoyed by strong polls showing the party retains a clear two-party preferred lead over the government.
Treasurer to keep his job
Meanwhile, Cabinet minister Julie Bishop has rejected reports Treasurer Joe Hockey could lose his position, after the prime minister agreed to consult more with his Liberal backbenchers.
"Joe's continuing as treasurer," she told Nine Network today.
Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop, who was tipped as a possible leadership contender, would not say how she voted on the spill motion. Photo / Getty
"In fact, we had a very strong discussion, a very frank discussion in cabinet last night about the budget he is now preparing."
Mr Hockey has faced criticism from within his own party over last year's budget.
Some believe he didn't work hard enough to sell its measures to the community, exposing the government to a voter backlash.
Ms Bishop noted ministerial positions are the prime minister's call.
"I am telling you that the prime minister has confirmed all ministers in their current positions," the foreign minister said.
Asked about the possibility government ministers had broken ranks to vote in favour of the spill motion - after indicating they wouldn't - Mr Bishop said it was pure speculation.
"I know many members were holding their cards very close to their chest and were not talking about how they voted, and that right has to be respected," she said.
Ms Bishop said Mr Abbott would lead the government to the next election in 2016.
Ms Bishop said she wouldn't state "on national television" how she voted because it would put unfair pressure on the others.
"But I think everybody knows the position I take as deputy," Ms Bishop said.
"The deputy's job is to support the leader that the party room have elected."
Ms Bishop agreed a number of backbenchers were very concerned about the direction the government was taking.
Her relationship with Mr Abbott wasn't damaged by the recent leadership issue, she added.
"I don't believe so at all. Tony and I have always been very honest and frank with each other - that's how we have been able to operate as a team," the deputy Liberal leader told Seven Network.
