Malcolm Turnbull wanted to focus on the future but couldn't ignore the elephant in the room.
Addressing the first joint party room meeting since the election on Monday, the prime minister stressed his government was keen to move forward after a tough campaign.
There was applause for a slew of new coalition MPs and senators he formally welcomed into the partyroom.
"This is a time of great renewal," Mr Turnbull said in Canberra.
He admitted his government had faced a tough and "unscrupulous" election campaign but would deliver for Australian voters.
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"This is a term of delivery. This is three years of strong, stable economic leadership."
But he could not ignore the concerns of disgruntled backbenchers disappointed with the election outcome.
"We'll discuss some more about some of our experiences and learnings as the meeting progresses," he said.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott - at the centre of calls for a ministerial promotion from conservative party ranks - sat at the back looking relaxed with cabinet ministers Steve Ciobo and Peter Dutton by his side.
Conservative backbencher Eric Abetz sat at the front, heaping applause when Mr Turnbull said there'd be consultations during the meeting.
Mr Turnbull also opened the door to negotiations with crossbench senators, saying he was keen to work with the new parliament.
"We will seek to ensure this parliament, every member and senator, works together with us ... to ensure we deliver the good government and the leadership that people expect."
