Wallace pays tribute to Ley & O’Brien, congratulates new leaders

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace has paid tribute to former Liberal Leader Sussan Ley following today’s leadership vote.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Shadow Cabinet Secretary and Shadow Attorney-General under Sussan Ley’s leadership,” Mr Wallace said.

“Sussan has worked tremendously hard for the Liberal Party for the past 25 years. I thank her for her friendship, her leadership and her loyalty to our party and to the Australian people.

“She led with dignity, grace and strength during an extraordinarily difficult period, stepping into the role following consecutive electoral defeats, internal disruptions and Coalition tensions, as well as major national events including the Bondi terror attack.

“In my view, nine months is not a long time to lead in those circumstances. She did not get the time she deserved, and there was still significant policy work underway.

“As the first female leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan made history and her contribution should never be underestimated.

“I am saddened to hear of Sussan’s decision to retire, but I wish her all the very best for the next chapter. She has given decades of dedicated service to our party, the people of Farrer and the Australian nation, and her contribution will leave a lasting legacy.”

Mr Wallace also paid tribute to outgoing Deputy Leader Ted O’Brien. “I also want to pay tribute to fellow Sunshine Coast MP Ted O’Brien, who has served as the Deputy Leader. Ted has been a strong contributor to the party and to the national debate.”

Mr Wallace congratulated the newly elected leadership team. “I congratulate Angus Taylor and Jane Hume on their victory today. The Liberal Party has spoken and elected both Angus and Jane to lead the Liberal Party and the Opposition to hold this terrible government to account.

“Now is the time for the Liberal and National parties to come together, unite and refocus on the task ahead.

“Under Anthony Albanese, Australians have suffered the most dramatic fall in their living standards than any other country in the OECD. Australians are rightly angry at this Government and it is now up to Angus, Jane and indeed all of its Members and Senators to put their shoulders to the wheel to work hard to provide a strong alternative to the Australian people.

“Australians are doing it tough and they expect a strong, effective opposition that will hold this woeful Government to account and present a clear alternative for the future.

“That is where our focus must be from today.”

Andrew Wallace MP Federal Member for Fisher