 Abbott announced on 27 November — one day after Turnbull survived Kevin Andrews ' spill motion — that he would challenge Turnbull for the leadership . Abbott committed to withdrawing his candidacy if Joe Hockey was to challenge . Abbott confirmed his opposition to the ETS legislation , questioning why Australia would legislate for a potentially detrimental economic measure before other countries had committed to do the same . A Newspoll released on 30 November placed Hockey at 33 % , Turnbull at 30 % and Abbott at 19 % , when voters were asked who would be the " best person to lead " the Liberal Party . Speculation flourished that Hockey would challenge Turnbull , and Hockey consulted senior party dignitaries such as Howard and Costello about whether he should run . 
