Government of Australia

Australian conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott was dramatically ousted Sept. 14 in a snap party vote forced by challenger Malcolm Turnbull, a millionaire former banker who will become the nation's new leader.

Assignments to most state institutions and organizations have been halted in the run-up to snap elections on Nov. 1, after the formation of an interim government.

Australia moved closer to recognising Aboriginal people in its constitution July 6 after talks with indigenous leaders, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said as he urged an end to the "echoing silence" in the founding document.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott July 2 brushed off mounting pressure for a parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage from within his conservative coalition, saying he was more focused on the economy and security.

Australia on June 15 told Indonesia to better secure its borders in a stinging rebuke after Jakarta demanded answers to allegations Canberra paid to turn back a boat of asylum-seekers.

The leader of Australia's opposition Labor Party introduced a bill to legalise same-sex marriage on June 1, adding the backing of a major party to growing public support for the issue after last month's landmark 'yes' vote in Ireland. 

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott May 24 said his country would not follow Ireland's lead and hold a referendum on gay marriage, adding that any decisions would be made by parliament.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said May 1 that Indonesia's sympathy for the families of two drug traffickers it executed was a good sign for resuming strong ties between the nations.

Australia's failure to end the entrenched disadvantage of Aboriginal people was described by Prime Minister Tony Abbott Wednesday as "profoundly disappointing" with key targets missed and employment levels actually worsening.
     

Party critics of Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott launched a dramatic bid Friday to unseat the unpopular conservative leader after less than 18 months in office, but he vowed to fight on.