DHAKA: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has urged an end to disunity after surviving a party confidence vote on his leadership.

Liberal Party MPs voted by 61 to 39 not to open up his position to challengers, reports the BBC.

The leadership test, initiated by a backbencher on Friday, came after a series of policy mis-steps by Abbott that saw his popularity tumble.

But the prime minister said the issue had now been settled.

“The Liberal Party has dealt with the spill motion and now this matter is behind us,” he said.

“When you elect a government, when you elect a prime minister, you deserve to keep that government and that prime minister until you have a chance to change your mind,” he said.

“So the focus now is once more on jobs, families, a stronger economy and a secure nation.”

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull had been seen as a likely leadership challenger if the vote passed, but in the end the party rallied round the prime minister.

BDST: 0838 HRS, FEB 09, 2015