Today the Liberal Party of Australia elected Sussan Ley as Leader of the Liberal Party and Opposition Leader and my fellow Queenslander, Ted O’Brien as Deputy Opposition Leader.
My heartfelt congratulations to both Sussan and Ted. Each of them bring to their respective roles a depth of real life experience and a commitment to the values of the Liberal Party and Liberal National Party.
During the last Federal election campaign, I was extraordinarily impressed with the support Sussan provided to Liberal candidates all over the country, including in my home state of Queensland. Sussan brings to the role 21 years’ experience in parliament serving in multiple Cabinet positions. Throughout my time in the Senate, Sussan has been accessible and helpful in every possible way. Congratulations!
Ted is part of our Queensland LNP “family’. Given one of the most difficult portfolio areas, Ted demonstrated his business acumen, communication skills and analytical mind in promoting the Coalition’s energy policy. It is great to have a Queenslander in the leadership team of both the Liberal Party and the National Party.
I acknowledge Angus Taylor who also nominated for the position of Liberal Party Leader and Phil Thompson who nominated for the position of Deputy Leader. I have no doubt that they will both play a key role as the Opposition goes through the process of reflection, review and rebuild.
We now have a deep moral obligation to become a united and effective Opposition – an Opposition which holds the Labor Government to account and which develops a suite of policies to take to the next election. In doing so, we must be true to our values – the foundation of our party. We must also ensure that our policies go through a rigorous process of development which draws upon the skills, talents and experience in our Party room.
I look forward to working with all of my fellow team members and LNP supporters across Queensland.
