PM Abbott rules out chance of a republic in near future

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has played down Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey’s new role as a co-chair in a cross-party push for a republic, ruling out any chance of it happening any time soon.

Mr Abbott, who spent his last full day in Cape York campaigning for the Canning byelection by touring remote Indigenous communities, has denied knowing about Mr Hockey’s co-chair decision.

“Joe is leading a push to make Australia a stronger and more competitive economy,” he said at a press conference today.

Mr Hockey’s decision was regarded by some colleagues as ill-timed, following a recent slide in polls for Mr Abbott and the Coalition, as well as a messy same-sex marriage debate last week.

Minister for Education and Training Christopher Pyne has made a show of support for Mr Hockey’s decision to join the push.

“My electorate voted yes for the republic in 1999 and I hope they’ll vote yes for the republic the next time,” Mr Pyne said.

With many MPs regarding the Canning byelection as the litmus test for Mr Abbott’s leadership, Mr Pyne has not shied from throwing his weight behind Mr Abbott.

“I think on balance it’s more likely we’ll win it than lose it,” Mr Pyne said.

“For Tony Abbott I don’t think it means anything for his leadership because I think his leadership’s absolutely secure.”

The government nevertheless faces another distraction and potential headache next week, with Trade Union Royal Commission commissioner Dyson Heydon set to announce if he will continue in his role.

“This is an absolutely vital royal commission,” Mr Abbott said.

“It must and will go on.”