Malcolm Turnbull says he’s not going to be ‘provoked’ by criticism from Tony Abbott

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says he won’t be ‘provoked’ into a public slanging match with Tony Abbott, but says the former leader ‘knows exactly what he’s doing’ when he comments on the state of government.

Mr Turnbull was forced to defend his leadership on Friday after Mr Abbott said the Coalition was in danger of losing the next election if it didn’t change some of its policies.

Speaking on 3AW, the Prime Minister said he was focused on getting the job done.

‘I’m not going to be provoked,’ Mr Turnbull told Neil Mitchell.

‘The fact is – my government has a record of achievement.

‘Over the last six months or so, since the election, we have achieved more with fewer seats than we did in the previous three years.’

– By JAKE BOURKE

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview on 3AW Mornings