Domestic violence a primary concern of Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull, in his first media interview as Australia's 29th Prime Minister, has condemned both domestic violence and the previous governments' approach to the issue.

"[Domestic violence] has been overlooked to some extent, it has been ignored for far too long, and we must have zero tolerance for it. I think a growing level of awareness is vital. Real men don't hit women, and we've got to be very determined to eradicate it," he said in his interview with Today's Lisa Wilkinson.

Mr. Turnbull described family violence as an enormous issue that mostly affects women, and blamed the lack of awareness for allowing the brutal practice to continue. However, as Pedestrian TV pointed out, he chose to shrug off the most pressing issue - the lack of funding to frontline services.

Meanwhile, the prime minister on Monday morning suggested the possibility of changes to the Coalition's existing climate policies. Addressing the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, The Guardian also reports that Mr Turnbull assured that there will be more focus on all the possible levers on tax and economic reform.

He has also announced that the government will be considering the future of the higher education package, a hint supported by newly appointed education minister Simon Birmingham, who mentioned he would join hands with education stakeholders in order to build broad support for any future reforms.

On ABC’s AM program on Monday, Mr Turnbull said that higher education holds great importance for the government. He also said that he will put an end to 'stupid and shouty' politics, according to The Guardian’s Lenore Taylor.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.