UPDATE 12:14 PM: Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has revealed he voted for Queensland MP Peter Dutton in Tuesday morning’s Liberal leadership spill, which saw Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull prevail with 48 votes to Mr Dutton’s 35.
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Senator Abetz said Mr Dutton was a “highly capable and competent minister”.
“It is important that the Parliamentary Liberal Party has a strong and effective policy platform that is in line with the expectations of those who elected me,” he said.
“I accept the result of the party room and as always will continue to work with the elected leader to advance Tasmania’s interests.”
EARLIER: Conservative Tasmanian Liberal senator Eric Abetz declared his support for Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership in the face of senior minister Peter Dutton’s party room challenge.
Mr Turnbull on Tuesday morning declared the leadership of the Liberal party vacant, clearing the way for a vote on his leadership.
The Prime Minister retained the leadership at a vote of 48 to 35.
Mr Turnbull was recently forced to undo key parts of the government’s National Energy Guarantee over the weekend, namely dropping legislated targets in accord with the Paris Agreement on greenhouse emissions.
He was under pressure to do so in the face of a revolt from the conservative wing of his own party who back the continuation of coal-power generation in Australia.
Mr Turnbull said it was clear the legislation would not pass Parliament.
Senator Abetz said he always supported the elected leader of the Liberal Party.
“I’ve said on numerous occasions that I don't engage in the cult of personality and it's all about policy for me,” he said.
Senator Abetz was booted from cabinet as Employment Minister and lost his role as Leader of the Government in the Senate when Malcolm Turnbull succeeded Tony Abbott as Prime Minister after a leadership challenge in 2015.
His demotion caused Senator Abetz to lose $175,000 from his annual salary package.
