In then anticipation of the election of Bill Shorten as Leader of the Federal Opposition [which has now occurred], the Prime Minister said he had spoken with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Hon Quentin Bryce AC.
Mr Abbott said the Governor-General offered to leave office early to avoid any perception of bias, but he said due to the fact that she will retire in March next year and that the Government commands the House of Representatives with a significant margin, “I have thanked her for her magnanimity but declined to accept her resignation, instead asking that she conclude her full term”.
Source: PM’s statement, 13 October 2013
[LTN 200, 16/10/13]