PM Malcolm Turnbull

Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been toppled by Malcolm Turnbull. In the shock late night vote, Malcom Turnbull was elected the new leader of the Liberal Party 54 to 44. So just who is Australia's new Prime Minister?

Malcolm Turnbull's been sworn in as Prime Minister shortly before facing his first Question Time as the nation's leader. The Opposition's tried to make it a painful initiation by reminding the new PM of some of his previous positions that are now difficult. Mr Turnbull's brushed aside the Labor jibes and renewed his pledge to run an open and consultative system of Government.

Prime minister in waiting Malcolm Turnbull will have to deal with angry conservatives anxious about the policy implications of a change in leadership. Mr Turnbull will have to make decisions about the ministry, including appointing a new Treasurer. The Nationals are not pleased and want to renegotiate the coalition agreement. There is support for Mr Turnbull from the crossbench, so there could potentially be some movement in the Senate.