Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull gave his final address as the nation’s leader on Friday, August 24, after the second leadership spill in one week resulted in treasurer Scott Morrison’s success as the new prime minister-designate.
He opened the address by saying that despite the events that had transpired, he remained optimistic and positive about the nation’s future under Morrison’s leadership.
Morrison will become the 30th prime minister of Australia after defeating Peter Dutton and Julie Bishop in a three-way bid for the Liberal leadership.
“There was a determined insurgency from a number of people, both in the party room and backed by voices, powerful voices, in the media,” Turnbull said of the leadership spill. He described this insurgency as an attempt, if not to bring down the government, then to bring down his prime ministership. “It was extraordinary, it was described as madness by many and I think it’s difficult to describe it in any other way.”
Turnbull expressed gratitude to his colleagues who voted for “loyalty above disloyalty” and reminded insurgents that their actions were “not rewarded by electing Mr Dutton, but instead, my successor, who I wish the very best of course, Scott Morrison, a very loyal and effective treasurer.”
In line with his promise to leave politics if defeated, Turnbull confirmed he would quit parliament “not before too long.”
His wife Lucy, daughter Alice and grandson Jack joined him towards the end of his address. Credit: Australian Parliament House via Storyful
