Joining us for more reaction is LNP Senator Paul Scarr, who has held the Shadow Immigration Portfolio. Paul, thank you so much for your time. Are you expecting to hold on to that portfolio in this new‑look team? And did you like what you heard from Angus Taylor in that first news conference?
Senator Scarr
Good to be with you, Ashleigh, and with your viewers. I thought it was a really strong start — exactly what I expected from Angus and Jane. They spoke very strongly in the party room after being successful in the leadership ballot, and we saw again this afternoon that they’re providing a very strong message to the people of Australia. I’m sure everyone on the team, myself included, is 100% behind them.
Host
Are you expecting to hold on to your portfolio? I understand you were on the brink of announcing a new immigration policy under Sussan Ley. We heard Angus Taylor flag a new immigration crackdown policy — is that the direction you were heading anyway?
Senator Scarr
On that first point, it is clearly the prerogative of Angus, as the new Leader of the Liberal Party, to choose his team to take the party forward. In terms of shadow ministry positions, there is a lot of talent in the Liberal party room, and those decisions are entirely Angus’s prerogative. Regarding immigration policy itself, as the former leader said, we were preparing to release some principles and initiatives prior to the awful Bondi terrorist attack. Our focus then shifted to responding to that attack. The timing of those matters now sits with Angus and Jane, and it’s their prerogative to work out the team and how those policies are taken forward.
Host
How confident are you that we’ll see results in the polls with this new leadership team? We often hear about the “transaction cost” of changing leaders. Are you confident that the cost will be worth it in this instance?
Senator Scarr
From my perspective, my focus is on doing everything I can to help improve those polling numbers. The number one thing I can do is play a team game, get behind the new leadership — which I will — and do everything I can to hold this Labor Government to account. That’s what the people of Australia expect us to do. I’d also say that I’ve seen Angus and Jane work very closely together. As individuals, they’re both very strong — with excellent parliamentary, ministerial, and real‑world professional experience. But they also complement each other and work effectively as a team. I think their partnership is going to be a real asset.
Host
We’re standing by for a news conference with One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson. One Nation has already flagged that they will contest the Farrer by‑election. How tight do you expect that race to be? And on immigration policy — would you like that released sooner rather than later, so voters there can consider any new policies before that early test for Angus Taylor?
Senator Scarr
I’d make a few points. First, I want to acknowledge Sussan for her extraordinary achievement — holding that seat for nine consecutive elections is an outstanding record of public service. The way she has conducted herself today, with grace and dignity, gives the Liberal Party the best possible opportunity to hold that seat. I sincerely acknowledge and thank Sussan for that. I also think Angus and Jane have made a very strong start as a new leadership team. They’ve set out some strong principles, and I’m optimistic. I’m confident the team will unite behind them as we work to hold that seat.
Host
Paul Scarr, appreciate your time. Thanks so much for joining us live here in Canberra.
