Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

This should have been by way of a question, but I can indicate that on Monday Mr Turnbull made an offer to the Prime Minister that he would resign his commission as minister to the Governor-General. Obviously, a minister's resignation only takes effect when the resignation is accepted or formally revoked by the Governor-General. Mr Turnbull's appointment as Minister for Communications continues until the swearing in of the ministry. This is quite obvious to anyone who should understand the operation of the Executive Council, as the honourable senator would know.