Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia
Malcolm Turnbull was sworn as Prime Minister of Australia for second term after a narrow victory in the federal election. He became the 29th Prime Minister of the country.
He was administered oath to the office by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in Australia.
Background
- In the 2016 Australian federal election, Liberal/National Coalition led by Malcolm Turnbull had won a one-seat majority of 76 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives.
- While the opposition Labor Party won 69 seats. The 2016 federal election was a double dissolution election to elect members of the 45th Parliament of Australia.
About Malcolm Turnbull
- Prior to entering politics, Malcolm Turnbull had worked as a lawyer, journalist, investment banker and venture capitalist.
- He started political career in 2004 after he was elected as Member of Parliament from Wentworth. He still represents it.
- In September 2015, he became the Prime Minister of Australia by succeeding Tony Abbott. He became PM after defeating Abbott in internal party leadership ballot of the Liberal Party.
- In the Tony Abbott’s government he was the Minister for Communications from September 2013 to September 2015.
- Previously, he had served as Minister for the Environment and Water in the Howard Government in 2007.
- Later in September 2008, he was elected Leader of the Liberal Party and become Leader of the Opposition.
Month: Current Affairs - July, 2016