SA premier urges certainty on future subs

A chastened Tony Abbott must end the uncertainty about Australia's next generation of submarines, South Australia's premier says.

The prime minister survived a move to spill the Liberal leadership on Monday after the motion was defeated 61-39.

SA Premier Jay Weatherill said he "couldn't care less" about the leadership turmoil but urged the federal government to commit to building future submarines in Australia.

"I don't spend my time thinking about them." he said.

"I just hope they keep their promise to build 12 new submarines in South Australia.

"Time is ticking on a decision on this. We would urge (Mr Abbott) to make an early decision."

The prime minister appeared to shore up support from South Australian colleagues on the eve of the leadership vote by promising an open tender to build the submarines.

Mr Weatherill said it should be a condition of the open tender that the submarines were built in Australia.

Mr Abbott said on Sunday he felt "chastened" about the spill motion being brought against him.