News   /   More

Australia PM Abbott faces defeat in Queensland poll

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott

Australia’s Liberal-National Party (LNP), allied to Prime Minister Tony Abbott ruling coalition, appears to have suffered a historic defeat in Queensland state elections.

The LNP lost its majority in Queensland elections held Saturday, with the opposition Labor Party seeming close to returning to power in the northeastern state as vote-counting was still underway.

“There are obviously lessons in the election result last night and we're determined to learn them in Canberra,” Abbott said on Sunday.

He stressed that his government needs to learn from the difficulties it has experienced, adding, “But in the end, government is not a popularity contest, it is a competence contest.”

Labor is anticipated to garner at least 44 seats in the 89-seat assembly in Queensland, with the LNP set to gain at least 33.

Coalition lawmakers, meanwhile, have denounced the result as catastrophic for Abbott.

Opinion polls carried out over the past year show that the support for the Australian prime minister’s government has plummeted as it has been harshly criticized for its attempts to press ahead with extensive spending cuts to control a growing budget deficit.

According to the latest poll published by The Sunday Telegraph, support for the government has fallen to 43 percent from 53.5 percent when it won the 2013 vote, compared to Labor’s 57 percent.

The premier’s personal ratings have also dropped to 27 percent compared to 44 percent for Labor leader Bill Shorten.

Abbott’s recent decision to award a knighthood to Prince Philip, the husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, also ignited extensive ridicule and criticism even within his own LNP.

MR/MKA

Related Stories

Australians vote in parliamentary polls Sep 7, 2013

Australia conservatives headed for win Sep 7, 2013 


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku