Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses the Coalition Campaign launch in Sydney on June 26, 2016. Turnbull used the chaos from Brexit to make a pitch for Australians to re-elect his coalition government, promising stability and strong economic leadership a week out from national polls to be held on July 2. PHOTO: AFP
SYDNEY: Australia's prime minister promised stability and strong economic policy in the wake of global turmoil sparked by Britain's Brexit vote, as he campaigned Sunday ahead of next week's national polls.
Markets shuddered after Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union, including in Australia where the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 closed down more than three percent Friday after volatile trade.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urged voters to re-elect his coalition government on July 2, tipped to be a close race with the opposition Labor Party.
Australia PM calls election for July 2
"Our clear economic plan is more essential than ever as we enter this period of uncertainty in global markets following the British vote to leave the European Union," Turnbull said at the Liberal-National coalition campaign launch in Sydney.
"Calm heads, steady hands and a strong economic plan are critical for Australia to withstand any of these negative repercussions. At a time of uncertainty, the last thing we need is a parliament in disarray."
Australia's own politics have been turbulent in recent years, with a "revolving door" of prime ministers in charge. Four different leaders have served since 2013 as parties removed sitting prime ministers.
Focus on economy as Australia PM calls July election
Turnbull deposed Tony Abbott in a Liberal Party coup in September, but his predecessor was present Sunday and the pair even shook hands.
"I am urging every Australian to think of this election as if their single vote will determine what sort of government we have after July 2," Turnbull said, adding that supporting minor parties or independents would also be a "roll of the dice".
The multi-millionaire former banker came to power with high personal ratings, but public support for him has eroded amid internal party divisions and poorly handled debates about reforms.
What you need to know about Australia's election
Labor's opposition leader Bill Shorten said last week that they should not be written off and his team was ready to return to Canberra just three years after being defeated by Abbott.
According to the latest opinion poll published in Sydney's Sunday Telegraph, 42 percent of voters surveyed supported the Liberals, ahead of 35 percent for Labor, 11 percent for the Greens and 12 percent for minor parties or independents.
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