Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott now knows what nemesis Julia Gillard felt to face a party challenge to his leadership.

He just survived what he describes a "near death experience" when members of the Liberal Party sought his ouster as leader.

Barely 15 months as PM, Abbott was on the verge of losing the seat he won in September 2013 by beating Labor Party and toppling Kevin Rudd, who was on his short second term as PM.

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With the fast pace of leadership via party coup hitting the last three prime ministers, the question inevitably arises until when could he hold on to his PM seat?

The secret ballot by Liberals on Monday resulted in 61 supported him remaining as party leader and 39 wanting him to step down as the Coalition's popular support rating plummeted to record-low levels due to unfulfilled campaign promises.

The Telegraph notes that his leadership is still resting on shaky grounds over the Monday backbench revolt, which also happened to Rudd being ousted by Gillard in 2010 and Rudd returning the favor to Australia's only female PM in 2013.

Had the leadership spill motion succeeded, it would not only unseat Abbott but also deputy leader Julie Bishop who is also foreign minister.

After the crucial vote, Abbott said the party has dealt with the spill motion and the matter is behind it.

"We are absolutely determined to work for you, the people who elected us. We want to end the disunity and the uncertainty which destroyed two Labor governments, and give you the good government that you deserve," the New York Times quotes Abbott.

With his humiliating near-ouster, the PM promised to work as a team and admitted that some of his major policies are unacceptable both to Liberals and Australians.

He vowed to focus more on jobs generation and families and strengthening the economy.

TagsAustralia, Tony Abbott, liberal party