Turnbull says nation owes debt to Abbott

Malcolm Turnbull says Tony Abbott was a great prime minister.

The community owes a debt of thanks to Tony Abbott, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has told parliament.

Mr Turnbull paid tribute to his predecessor in a valedictory speech on the final sitting day for the year.

"He has been a great prime minister and I thank him for his service and I thank him for his support today as a member of our party," he said on Thursday.