Bishop to be only woman in Abbott Cabinet

Julie Bishop is set to be the only woman in Tony Abbott's first Cabinet after the likely defeat of Sophie Mirabella.

Mrs Mirabella yesterday ruled herself out from frontbench considerations "for the good of the country" as she trailed independent Cathy McGowan by 1100 votes in the Victorian seat of Indi.

The West Australian understands that Bronwyn Bishop, who was also slated for a Cabinet post, will instead be offered the Speakership.

Mr Abbott was welcomed to The Lodge by Kevin Rudd yesterday, even though multi million-dollar renovations will delay his tenancy for up to a year.

Mr Abbott also spoke to Barack Obama yesterday and commended the US President's "fine speech" on Syria. The two leaders agreed to meet at the APEC Summit in Bali next month.

The PM-elect told Mr Obama if it was possible to chastise the Syrians without force that would be welcome, but that if other means were necessary Australia would offer "strong diplomatic and political support". Ms Bishop, who will be foreign affairs minister, spoke to US counterpart John Kerry.

Coalition MPs will meet in Canberra today to endorse Mr Abbott, Ms Bishop and Nationals leader Warren Truss in their leadership roles. Mr Abbott will name a frontbench on Monday, with the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.

It is understood Queenslander Ian Macfarlane will add Mrs Mirabella's industry responsibilities to his resources and energy portfolio.

WA Senator Mathias Cormann is not in line for promotion to Cabinet unless likely finance minister Arthur Sinodinos loses his NSW Senate seat.

Marise Payne and Sussan Ley are likely to become ministers, while NSW Senator Connie Fierravanti-Wells is facing demotion for installing failed Liberal candidate Jaymes Diaz in the seat of Greenway.

WA MP Dennis Jensen put his hand up to take Mrs Mirabella's science portfolio, despite his vocal criticism of climate change science.