Malcolm Turnbull is sticking by a range of Abbott government policies but is yet to spell out just who will be in his cabinet.
If Mr Turnbull had any inclination to revive some favourite policy positions, that was speedily stymied on Tuesday as the Nationals sought agreement on certain issues as the price for their support in the coalition.
As opposition leader in 2008 and 2009, Mr Turnbull favoured an emissions trading scheme and a floating carbon price.
But he has now undertaken not to depart from existing coalition policies on climate change action, the carbon tax and emissions reduction targets.
Neither will he depart from the plan to canvas same-sex marriage at a national plebiscite.
For Liberal MPs, the acid test of whether dumping a prime minister was worth it will come at this weekend's Canning by-election in Western Australia and the first opinion polls with Mr Turnbull as PM.
Attorney-General George Brandis said there is an expectation and an acceptance among ministers that there will be a cabinet reshuffle.
He said he would like to stay on as the nation's top law officer.
"I'd be happy to but of course that's entirely a matter for the prime minister," Mr Brandis told ABC television.
There is considerable speculation about all ministerial positions.
It has been suggested Scott Morrison will replace Joe Hockey as treasurer, giving the party's conservative wing a key portfolio.
Education Minister Christopher Pyne has been tipped as defence minister, replacing Kevin Andrews and ensuring the navy's new submarines will be built in South Australia, his home state.
It is expected the new cabinet will be announced next week.
Although regarded as a more accomplished negotiator than Tony Abbott, Mr Turnbull will not necessarily find it any easier to convince the Senate cross bench to pass government legislation.
"As charming as Malcolm is, and he's definitely very charming and articulate, if it's the same policies, the response will be the same," said independent senator Nick Xenophon.
There is also speculation about whether Mr Abbott will stay or get out of politics.
"He's been a trainee priest, he's been a journalist, he's run a concrete batching plant and he's been a prime minister - what possible future that could point to I have no idea," said journalist and author David Marr.
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