Prime Minister Tony Abbott has delivered his final press conference as Prime Minister describing his final day on the job as a “tough day”.
The outgoing PM said he was proud of his governments achievement as vowed not to undermine the future government and the incoming Prime Minister. Mr Abbott was critical of media speculation and commentary on his performance.
Mr Abbott said change was never easy, but outlined his commitment to a smooth transition.
“My pledge today is to make this change as easy as I can. There will be no wrecking, no undermining and no sniping.” Mr Abbott said.
“I’ve never leaked or backgrounded against anyone and I certainly won’t start now.Our country deserves better than that.”
Mr Abbott said he has always wanted the government and the country to succeed. Mr Abbott said being Prime Minister was about the people you serve.
“The great privilege I have had is to see the wonder of this country like few others, and I want to thank the Australia people for giving me the honour to serve.”
Mr Abbott listed constitutional recognition of indigenous people, improving education and community safety as the unfinished work of his Prime Ministership alongside tackling the ice epidemic and domestic violence.
Mr Abbott said the nature of politics had changed in the last decade.
‘We have more polls and more commentary than ever before. Mostly sour, bitter, character assassination. Pol ldriven panic has produced a revolving door of prime ministership, which can’t be good for our country and a febrile media culture has developed that rewards treachery.”
Mr Abbott said he had one piece of advice for the Australian media – stop printing quotes from unnamed sources.
“Refuse to print self serving claims that the person making them won’t put his or her name to. Refuse to connive and dishonour by acting as the assassin’s knife.”
Mr Abbott thanked his family for their support alongside the armed forces and his staff, noting that he felt that his Chief of Staff Peta Credlin has been unfairly maligned.
Mr Abbott said he thanked the country for the privilege of service. Mr Abbott said while it was humbling to lose, it did not compare to the honour of being asked to lead.
Mr Abbott lost his role as Prime Minister after being challenged in a party room vote by former Liberal leader and longtime rival Malcolm Turnbull. mr Turnbull is expected to be sworn in as Prime Minister later this morning.
OIP Staff
