Australia leadership changes

After a decade of political turmoil, rule changes within the two main parties means that whoever wins the general election should be the first prime minister since 2007 to serve a full term


Kevin Rudd – Dec 3, 2007
Opposition Labor Party sweeps to power with landslide victory over John Howard, who was in power for 11 years

Julia Gillard – Jun 24, 2010
Rudd ousted in party coup by his deputy Julia Gillard, who becomes Australia’s first female prime minister

Kevin Rudd – Jun 27, 2013
Rudd returns as prime minister after stunning party coup on Gillard, with support for Labor plummeting less than three months before general election

Tony Abbott – Sep 18, 2013
Landslide election victory for Liberal-National Coalition, led by Tony Abbott

Malcolm Turnbull – Sep 15, 2015
Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull replaces Abbott after successful leadership challenge. Retains power in 2016 election

Scott Morrison – Aug 24, 2018
Turnbull steps aside after unsuccessful right-wing challenge within LP, allowing finance minister Scott Morrison to take over as prime minister

May 18, 2019 – Morrison seeks third term for coalition against Labor leader Bill Shorten


NEW RULES
Liberals: Two-thirds majority required to change elected leader

Labor: 75% majority required to topple sitting leader, or 60% majority while in opposition


2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007


Sources: National Archives of Australia, Bloomberg 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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