Bishop to become acting Prime Minister in Turnbull’s absence

Deputy Liberal Leader Julie Bishop will be the acting prime minister during Malcolm Turnbull’s upcoming visit to Israel. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce is out of the Parliament after the High Court on Friday found him ineligible for office. The Prime Minister yesterday confirmed no deputy prime minister would be sworn in until after the New England by-election, which Mr Joyce is expected to win. “Having thought about this and discussed this carefully and with our colleagues, we’ve agreed in these special interim circumstances Julie will be acting PM while I’m away,” Mr Turnbull said. There had been discussion about whether Ms Bishop would fill the role as deputy, or the most senior remaining member of the Nationals partyroom, the Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion. “Barnaby Joyce remains the leader of the federal Nationals but, of course, he is not currently in the Parliament,” Mr Turnbull said. “Therefore the normal order of precedence in terms of acting prime minister falls to Julie Bishop as the deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Foreign Minister.” During Mr Joyce’s absence, Senator Scullion will act as Interim Nationals Parliamentary Leader. Mr Turnbull denied the Northern Territory senator and Indigenous Affairs Minister was annoyed at being overlooked.

“Nigel and I discussed this at some length,” Mr Turnbull said.

“He is absolutely in support of this arrangement.”

Mr Turnbull added he would continue his prime ministerial duties while overseas.

“All decisions that are taken by the Prime Minister are taken by me,” he said.