There are reports floating around suggesting that the Liberal Party are on the verge of changing the federal parliamentary leader.
Such a leadership change would not legally change who is Prime Minister.
It is quite possible that the current Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, will advise the Governor General to issue the writs for a general election.
Given that there is less than 12 months until a half Senate term ends, both houses of the federal parliament will more than likely go to an election at the same time.