Tony Abbott

In 2026, Abbott strongly criticised a judicial decision relating to a pro-Palestinian protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge. Chief Justice Andrew Bell publicly responded that the remarks were "misconceived" and defended judicial independence.

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Personally implicated

Abbott decided to make Prince Philip a Knight of the Order of Australia. This largely personal decision attracted criticism even within the Liberal Party and became symbolic of the judgement problems threatening his leadership.

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Political responsibility

Defending the possible closure of small, isolated Indigenous communities, Abbott said taxpayers could not indefinitely fund the "lifestyle choices" of people living far from services. The remarks were strongly condemned.

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Personally implicated

Abbott convened a joint meeting of Liberals and Nationals on same-sex marriage, strengthening the influence of opponents of change. The Coalition maintained its refusal to allow a free vote, prompting internal criticism of the process.

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Political responsibility

After months of poor polling and internal conflict, Abbott lost the Liberal Party leadership to Malcolm Turnbull by 54 votes to 44.

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Directly implicated

The 2014 budget provoked a strong reaction with cuts, new levies and changes to benefits considered incompatible with several election promises. ABC notably concluded that the promise not to cut ABC funding had been broken.

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Political responsibility

During the 2013 campaign, Abbott cited Fiona Scott's "sex appeal" among her qualities, a remark immediately criticised as sexist and reductive.

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Personally implicated

Footage filmed in Afghanistan showed Abbott using the expression "shit happens" during a discussion of an operation in which an Australian soldier had been killed. Its broadcast provoked considerable controversy.

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Personally implicated

Attacking carbon pricing, Abbott said housewives would understand the effect of electricity prices when doing the ironing. The remark was criticised as outdated and sexist.

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Personally implicated

Abbott stated that the argument that global warming was solely caused by humans was "absolute crap". The remark became emblematic of the Coalition's divisions over climate policy.

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Personally implicated

Abbott established Australians for Honest Politics to raise funds to support legal challenges against One Nation. The controversy resurfaced when he acknowledged the fund following earlier statements interpreted as denying its existence.

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Directly implicated