8 February 2015, 08:48 GMT
MOSCOW, (Sputnik) – Australia’s ruling Liberal Party held a secret vote to debate the party's leadership amid public discontent with Abbott’s economic and social policies.
Following the vote, Abbott promised to start listening to his colleagues and seek advice more often.
In a televised statement, Abbott said “good government starts today,” adding that the Liberal Party will now focus on jobs, families, the economy and the nation's security.
Abbott’s rating has fallen sharply since the end of 2014 over unsuccessful economic policies, with the country's debt-to-GDP ratio surging to record highs not seen since 1996. The prime minister's controversial decision to grant Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, has added to his unpopularity. Liberal Party members have long accused Abbott of his unwillingness to listen to other opinions in making decisions.
