Humbled by deputy role, O’Brien vows to rebuild after Coalition demolition

Mr O’Brien will work alongside Sussan Ley: “We believe in the individual, we believe in family, we believe in community, we believe in enterprise, and we believe in entrepreneurship,” Mr O’Brien said.

by Cameron Outridge

In the wake of a bruising federal poll and the Nationals’ decision to withdraw from the Coalition, Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien has embarked on a mission to listen, learn and unite – both within his party and across his electorate. 

Elected deputy leader of the Federal Liberal Party following the May 3 defeat, Mr O’Brien said he was “humbled and honoured to serve as deputy leader of the Liberal Party” and pledged to harness the depth of talent around him for a values-led recovery.

Mr O’Brien reflected on growing up “the youngest of nine kids” and learning early the importance of teamwork. That sense of unity, he believes, is critical as the Liberals and Nationals attempt to patch up their recently-fractious relationship. “We respect their decision and commit to continue working collaboratively with them,” he said, in reference to the Nationals’ exit on 20 May. 

“The Liberal Party’s door remains open to The Nationals should they wish to rejoin the Coalition.”

Mr O’Brien took aim at both his party’s disappointing nationwide result and the “sobering” local outcome, acknowledging that while he retained Fairfax, “our party must do better – and that starts with listening.” 

He has already undertaken his seasonal road trip, meeting constituents across Coolum, Mapleton and Yandina. “Every conversation has helped me better understand how I can represent Fairfax more effectively – and how our party can reconnect,” he said.

Drawing on more than two decades in the private sector, Mr O’Brien said he would bring a “commercial approach, a practical approach” to policy development. “While I may have studied somewhat, ultimately I’m a pragmatic sort of person,” he told colleagues, promising a rebuild anchored in economic strength and individual opportunity.

Policy settings 

Asked about policy settings going forward Mr O’Brien said the Coalition had been sent a powerful message over the last two elections from the Australian public. 

“And that puts us in a position where we have to ensure that we are rock-solid with our values. No-one’s messing with that. What we believe in, who we fight for. All of that has to be the building block, but when it comes to policy we’re not throwing anything out in a rush. But nor are we just locking everything else in, in a rush.”

Views on nuclear have not changed

Asked about nuclear energy Mr O’Brien said his views had not changed. “International evidence remains the same so there has been no change in my view there,” he told Sky News. “But I also have to be honest and say the Labor party weaponised the $600 billion lie against nuclear effectively, so the policy needs to be reviewed. But my personal views on nuclear energy have not changed one iota.”

United by common values

Mr O’Brien said his party would unite around a common set of values because “Liberal values are Australian values”. 

“We believe in the importance of freedom,” he said. “We believe in the importance of equality. We believe in the importance of a fair go, a belief that with rights comes commensurate responsibilities. With effort comes reward. We believe in the individual, we believe in family, we believe in community, we believe in enterprise, and we believe in entrepreneurship. 

“And these values which unite the Liberal Party are the very values that have the capacity to unite the nation, which is why as we do rebuild as a party, we will hold a very bad Labor government to account while also rebuilding in a way that sees us with a values-led, future-focused and economically-driven agenda anchored to a positive and clear vision for our nation’s future.”