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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the National Archives' website and collection contain the names, images and voices of people who have died.

Some records include terms and views that are not appropriate today. They reflect the period in which they were created and are not the views of the National Archives.

Colour portrait photograph of Tont Abbott supplied by Prime Minister and Cabinet.

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  1. Home
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  3. Australia's prime ministers
  4. Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott was the Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015.

Abbott government records are not yet available in the National Archives.

They will start to become available from 1 January 2034 as they enter the open access period.

More Information

About Tony Abbott

Colour portrait photograph of Tont Abbott supplied by Prime Minister and Cabinet.

  • Born: 4 November 1957
  • Partner: Margaret Abbott
  • Political party: Liberal Party of Australia

On 18 September 2013, Tony Abbott became Australia's 28th Prime Minister.

Abbott was a Member of Parliament for Waringah from 1994 to 2019.

Before becoming prime minister, he served as the Leader of the Opposition from 1 December 2009.

Abbott took his first portfolio as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs from 1996 to 1998 in the Howard government. Until the Howard lost office in 2007, Abbott also served as:

  • Minister for Employment Services from 1998 to 2001
  • Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business in 2001
  • Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations from 2001 to 2003
  • Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service from 2001 to 2003
  • Minister for Health and Ageing from 2003 to 2007

On 14 September 2015, Abbott was defeated in a leadership ballot by Malcolm Turnbull, who was sworn in as prime minister the next day.

Did you know?

Tony Abbott:

  • was born in London in 1957
  • migrated to Australia with his family in 1960
  • won a Rhodes Scholarship in 1981 and attended The Queen's College, Oxford University
  • earned two 'Blues' for boxing at Oxford
  • intended to join the Catholic priesthood and entered St Patrick's seminary at Manly in 1984
  • had a successful career in journalism before entering politics
  • is an active volunteer member of the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club

In this section: Tony Abbott

  • Fast facts
  • Timeline
  • Records

Explore Prime Ministers

Colour portrait photograph of Kevin Rudd supplied by Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Kevin Rudd

2007–2010
2013

Colour portrait photograph of Malcolm Turnbull supplied by Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Malcolm Turnbull

2015–2018

Colour portrait photograph of Scott Morrison supplied by Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Scott Morrison

2018–2022

Old Parliament House, Canberra

All prime ministers

Explore the stories of each prime minister's time in office through official and personal records held by the National Archives.

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