Malcolm Turnbull

Rudd releases letters claiming Turnbull backed him for UN job

Mr Rudd made a last-minute dash to Sydney this morning in the hope of lobbying Mr Turnbull to nominate him as secretary-general of the United Nations.

But on arrival the Prime Minister called him and said the Government would not be backing him.

On Friday evening a spokeswoman for Mr Rudd released three letters which Mr Rudd had sent to Mr Turnbull about the issue.

Turnbull to make captain's call on Rudd's bid to be UN boss

In a Cabinet meeting that went well over time on Thursday, Mr Rudd's case was pushed by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and supported by Attorney-General George Brandis.

The backing of some other ministers who spoke in favour has been described as lukewarm.

But many spoke against nominating Mr Rudd, including Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, Treasurer Scott Morrison and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who argued he was unfit for the role.

In the end it was left to the Prime Minister to make the call with the undertaking the leadership will support his decision.

Australia PM 'donated A$1m to own campaign'

Malcolm Turnbull declared victory for his ruling Liberal-National coalition on Sunday.

The Australian newspaper reported Mr Turnbull made the donation to compete with the opposition Labor Party's union-bolstered TV ad spend.

The seven-figure donation was made in the final weeks of the campaign.

Mr Turnbull and party officials did not deny the payment had taken place when questioned by the media.

"Donations to the Liberal Party are disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the Electoral Act," the prime minister's office said.

Turnbull,Shorten back electronic voting as Coalition claims victory

The calls for electronic voting follow a gruelling eight-day vote count, which is yet to deliver a formal result.

 

The Coalition is on track to win at least 74 seats, and is confident it can win two more, giving it enough seats to govern in its own right.

Mr Shorten this afternoon conceded defeat in a phone call to Mr Shorten, offering to work with Mr Turnbull to find "common ground" and make the parliament work.

Refugee raped on Nauru begs Malcolm Turnbull to let her come to Australia for an abortion

The woman, "Abyan" (not her real name) is one of two female Somali refugees who have requested help from Australia after being raped on the island. Last week the ABC's 7.30 broadcast distressing footage of the other victim, a 26-year-old woman known as "Namja" (not her real name), calling police for help after her rape - she says it took police four hours to answer her plea.

Australian Government working on new refugee resettlement deal: Dutton

Dutton told the ABC the Government was in discussions with parties other than Cambodia, which he said remained committed to resettlement despite "undermining" from refugee advocates.

“We're working and have been for a long period of time working on other bilateral options," he said.

“We have Cambodia available as an option and it is difficult when we've got probably well intentioned refugee advocates back here who are messaging up to these people on Nauru, saying 'don't accept any offer'.

Norfolk Islanders find new hope in Malcolm Turnbull

Former Norfolk Island chief minister Andre Nobbs has called on Turnbull to review laws passed by federal Parliament in May. They replaced the island's nine-member Legislative Assembly with an advisory council before permanent measures are created in 2016. 

The changes will see Norfolk Island brought into mainland Australian tax arrangements, as well as provision of welfare, health and education. 

Turnbull committed on climate: PM O'Neill

Peter O'Neill will soon be dealing with his fourth Australian prime minister since 2011.

He has already invited Malcolm Turnbull to visit Port Moresby and is especially buoyed by the new leader's enthusiasm for tackling climate change.

"I think he will prosecute the case better," O'Neill told AAP.

He hopes Turnbull is able to win over some of his cabinet colleagues on the issue.

PM O'Neill held talks with former prime minister Tony Abbott on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum last week before he was ousted from office.

Malcolm Turnbull announces new Cabinet

Treasurer Mr Hockey will go to the backbench, with Social Services Minister Scott Morrison to take over the portfolio, as expected.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz was also relegated to the backbench and his job will be taken over by Michaelia Cash.

She is one of several women being promoted to Cabinet.

Kelly O'Dwyer will be the new assistant treasurer and small business minister.

Mr Turnbull heralded the changes as a "process of renewal".

Malcolm Turnbull to be sworn in as PM after ousting Tony Abbott

Mr Turnbull won a party room ballot 54 votes to 44 last night, less than six hours after announcing he would challenge Mr Abbott.

The ballot also saw Julie Bishop elected as deputy leader over Kevin Andrews 70 votes to 30 — keeping the position she has held since 2007.

Mr Turnbull, who will now become Australia's fourth prime minister in two years, spoke to reporters outside his apartment this morning.

"It was a long night, and it's going to be a big day today," he said.