How long can the Prime Minister stay in the job?

Thanks for your question. There is no limit to the amount of time that somebody can be Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party or coalition of parties with the support of the majority of members of the House of Representatives.

The Prime Minister would lose their position if:

  • their party votes to change the leadership of the party
  • their party does not win government at a federal election
  • they lose their own seat at a federal election
  • they decide to resign as Prime Minister.
A man sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Another man is approaching the desk while other people sit and watch.

The Governor-General swearing-in the Prime Minister.

DPS Auspic

The Governor-General swearing-in the Prime Minister.

A man sits at a wooden desk with pens and paperwork. Another man is approaching the desk while other people sit and watch.

DPS Auspic

Description

Anthony Albanese is sworn in as the 31th prime minister of Australia by Governor-General David Hurley in May 2022.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.