Australia PM quashes rumours of unrest as 'nonsense'

Abbott would go on to highlight three free trade agreements, stopping asylum seeker boats from entering the country and ending the carbon and mining tax as examples of his government's fine work over the last year.

"I am very proud of the work my ministers have done," Abbott continued.

"In the end, all of that reflects well on the government and it reflects well on the prime minister."

Speaking from the United States earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop also quashed rumours of unrest within the party, saying she had not heard the prime minister referred to as "toxic" by fellow MPs.

"I don't believe that's a description that any of my colleagues would apply to the prime minister," Bishop said.

"That's not a term that they use with me. The prime minister is leading a strong team."