Former PM battles moderate revoltFormer prime minister Tony Abbott is struggling to retain the affluent seat in Sydney he has held for 25 years. AdvertisingAbbott, who previously called on Australia to abandon its pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions, is widely seen as instrumental in the ousting of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull last year. Socially moderate Treasurer Josh Frydenberg faces a stiff challenge from an independent, while Health Minister Greg Hunt also faces an uphill battle in southern Victoria state. With a drought wilting crops across Australia’s east, the Nationals have come under pressure over their support of Australia’s coal industry, a major contributor to greenhouse emissions. Several right-wing candidates are trying to win Senate seats.

Source: Indian Express May 17, 2019 09:00 UTC