In a television interview, Mr Howard said he would lead his Liberal Party for as long as it wants him to.
The Prime Minister declared last week that he'd seek a fifth term in office at the 2007 election, ending months of speculation about his immediate future.
Commenting on the leadership tussle Treasurer Peter Costello, Mr Howard said that anyone who doubts that "it's business as usual" for the government should watch them when parliament resumes this week.
He said they were both committed to winning the next election.