Political thrills and spills in 2015

Two prime ministers, a chopper-flying speaker, a better budget and an election in the wind - 2015 was a big year in politics.

Then Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and then Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Source: AAP

Take a look back at federal politics in 2015.

Liberal launch spill 1.0

In February, Liberal MPs Don Randall and Luke Simpkins lance the boil of unrest over Tony Abbott's leadership by seeking a party room spill, despite having no contestant. Abbott wins 61-39 and promises to change. His colleagues, smarting from an unlikely state election loss in Queensland, give him six months to improve.

Budget buys goodwill

The May budget receives accolades - for not being the 2014 budget. Small business tax breaks and child care dominate as university fee hikes, Medicare co-payments and huge cuts to the public service are put in the too-hard basket. The 2016 budget will be crucial to Malcolm Turnbull's election strategy.

Greens are good for you

Christine Milne retires in May to hand the reins over to Richard Di Natale and two co-deputy leaders Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam. The Greens appear set for a strong showing at the 2016 election and preferences will be crucial for Labor.

Labor pains

Bill Shorten may have the lowest personal rating on record, but the caucus remains behind him. His deal-making delivered an ALP national conference that had passion but not the tribal bloodletting of the past. He's released more than 50 policies but voters still see him as dull. The unions royal commission dented him, but not irreparably.

Checkmate for high-flying Bishop

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop resigns in August over her use of a chartered flight from Melbourne to a Geelong golf course for a Liberal fundraiser. Abbott seeks a review of all entitlements but colleagues question why he stuck by Bishop for so long. Bishop later announces she's been exonerated and will recontest her seat of Mackellar at the next federal election, compelled by the fight against terrorism to remain in parliament.

Liberals launch spill 2.0

Malcolm Turnbull pulls the trigger six months after the warning shot over Abbott's head. Conservatives rally to Abbott's side, but Turnbull has the numbers 54-44. The fallout sees Joe Hockey quit, to become US ambassador, but Abbott is staying put to defend his legacy despite having the shortest tenure since Harold Holt. Abbott ends the year with a series of controversial public statements about Islam and terrorism, sparking calls from Labor for the PM to rein him in.

Palmer and other dramas

Clive Palmer's party appears to be over, as resignations leave him with a team of two and financial woes will hamper his election campaign. One of Palmer's neighbours, Mal Brough, will make Turnbull's life hard as police investigate the Slipper diaries case. The Nationals could be a burr in the saddle as members joust for frontbench roles and the leadership.

Exciting time to be Turnbull

Turnbull's challenge for 2016 will be turning his "ideas boom" into a second term of government. His key risks are an outbreak of internal ill-discipline and a poorly received tax reform plan, which has yet to be unveiled.