Australia, the parliament and the coalition parties owe Tony Abbott a great debt, the man who replaced him says.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, newly sworn in as prime minister, used his first question time to pay tribute to Mr Abbott's achievements, starting with him returning the coalition to government in 2013.
"He is a great Australian and our country has been better, has been improved, better led under his time as prime minister," Mr Turnbull told parliament on Tuesday.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten was also gracious in his tribute to Mr Abbott, saying the former prime minister had been a formidable fighter but who could also be unexpectedly generous and personal.
Mr Shorten said he witnessed Mr Abbott's humility when he spoke to defence personnel, often telling them "I've never served".
"I don't think you need to judge yourself any less for not having actually worn the uniform of this country," Mr Shorten said.
"You have represented and been the prime minister of this country. That is service indeed."
Mr Abbott wasn't present in the chamber to hear the tributes.
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