Australia PM quashes rumours of unrest as 'nonsense'

CANBERRA -- Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has labelled speculation regarding his future as "nonsense" on Thursday in the wake of yet more rumours that he could step down.

On Wednesday, the ABC reported that some MPs had described Abbott as "toxic" and that his future could soon be decided for him.

However, a defiant Abbott appeared on Fairfax Radio on Thursday to dispel suggestions that he could resign.

The Australian leader pointed towards the Victorian state election as an example of what happens when parties change leaders mid-term, after Denis Napthine replaced Ted Baillieu, only to be voted out of office at the first possible opportunity.

"You do not change leaders, you rally behind someone and you stick to the plan," Abbott told Fairfax on Thursday.

"We've got a good plan. The point I keep making is we inherited a mess.. We've made a good start, but we are on the right track."

"Look at the record. I think last year's record is a record of solid achievement."