![The Australian Flag, a frequen companion of Australian politicians. [Image via marselelia - Pixabay]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/8/24/660x290/b_502x220x82/the-australian-flag-a-frequen-companion-of-australian-politicians-image-via-marselelia-pixabay_2081101.jpg "The Australian Flag, a frequen companion of Australian politicians. [Image via marselelia - Pixabay]")
For the last several years, Australia has been governed by a long-standing coalition of two parties: The Liberal Party of Australia, which is actually the country's largest conservative party, and the National Party of Australia. As the country prepares to elect its leaders again next year, a major shuffle has taken place.
Morrison chosen to lead Liberal Party
The New York Times reports that Malcolm Turnbull's time as prime minister came to a sudden end. Things were tenuous for Turnbull for some time within his party. But, for the second time, a controversial energy proposal sealed the deal.
In the days following, Turnbull fended off a leadership challenge from his home affairs minister, Peter Dutton. However, another challenge would take place just days later. This time, Turnbull did not take part.
According to CNBC, the choice was ultimately between Dutton, Scott Morrison, and Julie Bishop. Morrison had been serving as Turnbull's treasurer since 2015 and Bishop as foreign affairs minister since 2013. Morrison, seen as a close ally of Turnbull's, would emerge victorious.
Australian politics have been a source of drama
For over a decade, Australia was under the steady guidance Prime Minister John Howard of the Liberal Party. Since leaving office in 2007, the position has been a revolving door of sorts.
Howard was succeeded by Kevin Rudd of the Labor Party. Roughly two and a half years into his term, things changed. Rudd was blindsided by a move that ended with his being replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Gillard, however, would prove to be unpopular with the electorate. She was eventually maneuvered out of power, with Rudd being re-installed.
The turmoil has not been limited to the Labor Party. In 2008, Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson opted to leave Parliament to take up a series of prominent diplomatic posts. He was replaced by Turnbull, who had been his shadow treasurer. The following year, Turnbull signaled his support for an energy policy that was unpopular with his party.
Afterward, he was challenged and defeated by Tony Abbott, a former member of his Shadow Cabinet.
In 2013, the Liberal/National Coalition led by Abbott thrashed the Labor Party in the federal election. As a result, Abbott became the new prime minister. Two years later, Turnbull (who had been serving as communications minister) opted to face off with Abbot again. Turnbull would win and hold the office until his recent downfall.
