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New Australian PM unlikely to mean new Pacific policies

The new Australian prime minister is a businessman, multi-millionaire, progressive compared to his his conservative party and popular.

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Senior Australian government frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull is challenging Prime Minister Tony Abbott for the leadership of the ruling Liberal Party.

In his first Question Time session in parliament, Mr Turnbull paid tribute to Mr Abbott, and said these are “the most exciting times to be an Australian”.

Australia’s new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull yesterday flagged that more women would be included in his first Cabinet, to be sworn in on Monday.

His three immediate predecessors, including Mr Abbott, were ousted by their own parties.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan is one coalition figure still disappointed at the change in Liberal leader.

Newly-installed Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull has long been a supporter of marriage equality in Australia – this August, back when he was Communications Minister, he called on the party to adopt a conscience vote on the issue.

With 72% of Australians in support of same-sex marriage, it looks likely the proposed reform will pass. However, when, exactly, the vote will be held remains to be decided.

Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer has welcomed the decision to replace Mr Abbott.

Turnbull – whose electorate of Wentworth has the largest Jewish population of any electorate in NSW – said this has been a “very sobering experience”.

Mrs Mirabella confirmed she has continued her links with former shadow cabinet minister colleagues since losing the Indi election by 439 votes to Independent Cathy McGowan two years ago.

“On the issue of greatest concern to Pacific people – climate change – we are encouraged by your previous public statements about the need for more decisive action to reduce carbon emissions to arrest the current state of global warming”, Mr Bainimarama said.

Labor officials have reportedly had their hopes of winning this weekend’s Canning by-election crushed after Mr Turnbull’s ascension to the top job.

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Tony Abbott highlighted that he was proud of his achievements.

Malcolm Turnbull being sworn in as Australia's 29th Prime Minister