Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott survived vote of confidence in leadership challenge

Just 17months in power, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived 61 votes out of 102 on the leadership of his party.

The leadership test was initiated by a backbencher on February6, 2015. But according to PM, the issue has now been settle, stating "this matter is behind us".

"When you elect a government, when you elect a prime minister, you deserve to keep that government and that prime minister until you have a chance to change your mind," he said.

The open challenge came to Abbott's leadership due to the conservative leaders facing slumping polls and a torrent of criticism in the recent weeks. The criticisms were over policy decisions ranging from his handling of the economy to awarding an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip.

The internal tussle within the party resulted in some MPs calling for the vote which happened last week.

Abbott promised to hold the meetings regularly with chairs of backbench committees.

ABOUT TONY ABBOTT:

• Tony Abbott was born on 4 November 1957, in London, to an Australian mother and English father. He shifted to Sydney with his parents in 1960
• Abbott has done his Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws from University of Sydney. Then persuaded Bachelors of Arts in philosophy, politics and economics at The Queen's College, Oxford and later conferred with Masters of Arts.
• He is the 28th and current Prime Minister of Australia. Abbott has held this position since 2013
• Abbott has also been the leader of the Liberal Party since 2009
• He is also the member of Parliament, representing the Sydney-based Division of Warringah