After six weeks of leadership spill in September, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will reportedly visit Tasmania for the first time as PM on Thursday.

Turnbull flew to Hobart on Wednesday night prior to beginning his travel towards the north. The PM's visit to Tasmania, however, might be extended until Friday.

Turnbull is expected to provide complete details of Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker during his tour. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt will accompany the PM on his visit. Hunt told the Mercury that the new icebreaker would be the perfect replacement for the RV Aurora Australis and would be based outside Hobart from 2019. He confirmed that it would be one of the most sophisticated ships with modern designs.

The new icebreaker will be 61 metres long and heavy with 400 tonnes of weight that will be able to carry sufficient number of containers and cargos. It will also help scientists to enjoy an extended access to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Hunt confirmed that the icebreaker would have custom design to make it suitable for Australian needs. The product will be faster and stronger than the RV Aurora Australis that has been struggling through the stormy Southern Ocean since 1989.

“The new ship provides a modern platform for marine science research in both sea ice and open water,” Hunt said. “A multi-beam bathymetric echo sounder will enable sea floor mapping, while portable and flexible science laboratories will offer scientists space to conduct cutting-edge research. However, he did not confirm anything about the $1 billion price tag on the icebreaker.

Since Turnbull’s win in the leadership spill in September, “three amigos” – Braddon MP Brett Whiteley, Lyons MP Eric Hutchison and Bass MP Andrew Nikolic have supported the PM. They will play the role of a tour guide for the prime minister’s visit to Tasmania for the next two days.

Abbott used to pay frequent visits to the place where Liberals have three confirmed wins.

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