Two of the nation’s biggest business leaders have turned on Tony Abbott, as the embattled Prime Minister braces for another possible leadership showdown.
A cabinet meeting on Monday is expected to include discussion over Mr Abbott’s leadership since a failed spill motion earlier in February, with speculation he may face another strike as soon as Tuesday.
Former News Limited boss and now head of Prime Media John Hartigan said Mr Abbott’s position had become unrecoverable.
"No. I think his opportunity is gone. Even his strongest supporters are now detractors," Mr Hartigan told Fairfax Media, while describing himself as an admirer of Mr Abbott.
"But as I say, he has appeared as if he doesn't want to face up to the realities of his political life. He is letting them slip through his fingers day by day."
Mr Hartigan also said political uncertainty was hurting the economy.
"It's very significant. I have not seen Australia, in so many economic areas – and I'm not speaking about our industry, I'm speaking across the board – at such a crossroads," he said.
Woolworths CEO Grant O’Brien, delivering disappointing half-year results, also said “stability is a really important thing” for consumer confidence.
"And stability across a number of factors, not the least is political stability," he said
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