News Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch has publicly called for Tony Abbott's chief of staff to resign or be sacked.
"Abbott again. Tough to write, but if he won't replace top aide Peta Credlin she must do her patriotic duty and resign," Mr Murdoch wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
"Forget fairness. This change only way to recover team work and achieve so much possible for Australia," he added in a follow-up message.
"Leading involves cruel choices."
The call came in the wake of a controversy over the prime minister's decision to award Prince Philip a knighthood.
Australian domestic newspapers have universally criticised the prime minister over the issue.
Education Minister Christopher Pyne said there was no prospect of Mr Murdoch's advice being adopted.
Mr Pyne said Ms Credlin and Mr Abbott had performed a "remarkable role" getting the coalition elected and the chief of staff had his full support.
"I think that Peta Credlin is absolutely intrinsic to our success," he told reporters in Canberra.
Share
