Former defence minister Peter Dutton can begin the tough task of restoring the Liberal Party’s electability after officially becoming the Leader of the Opposition on Monday with Sussan Ley chosen as his deputy.
Mr Dutton, 51, was immediately thrusted into favouritism when Scott Morrison announced he would resign the party leadership. His likely main opponent would have been Josh Frydenberg, but after the former treasurer lost his seat of Kooyong in the Federal Election, Mr Dutton firmed as the party’s only choice.
Stream more on politics with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 Mr Dutton has held the marginal outer Brisbane seat of Dickson since 2001 but nearly lost the seat in 2007 and 2016 when the Liberal Party suffered large swings against it. The Coalition attempted to paint Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as inexperienced on the economy during the election campaign, but Mr Dutton himself has predominantly served in national security portfolios when in government. The new leader was elevated to the ministry within one term of his election, becoming the minister for workforce participation in 2004 before becoming assistant treasurer in 2006 under Peter Costello. When Tony Abbott took the Coalition to a landslide election victory, Mr Dutton was immediately elevated to Cabinet as health and sport minister.He became Minister for Immigration and Border Protection in 2014 which he held until 2018 before inheriting the super portfolio of Home Affairs in 2017. Mr Dutton achieved his goal of being Defence Minister in March last year and used the position to hit out at China’s posturing in the region and boost Australia’s defence capabilities. The conservative Dutton will be matched by Ms Ley who belongs to the moderate faction and was elected unopposed as the party’s deputy – only the second woman to hold the position after Julie Bishop.Ms Ley was first elected into the House of Representatives for the regional New South Wales seat of Farrer in 2001.Ms Ley held a number of portfolios including the Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Health, Sport, Aged Care and Environment. Sky News Australia Chief Anchor Kieran Gilbert believes she is a “good choice” to rebuild the party and help drive more women voters back to the Liberals after a large amount deserted blue-ribbon held seats this Federal Election. Chief Liberal Part Whip Bert van Manen announced the result of the contest, and paid tribute to former leader and deputy Mr Morrison and Mr Frydenberg. “I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Scott Morrison, the outgoing leader, for his service and his leadership of our party over the past 3.5 years,” Mr van Manen said. “And Josh Frydenberg as the outgoing deputy, sadly Josh couldn't be here given the result in Kooyong but he has provided tremendous service to the party as the deputy leader and treasurer over the past 3.5 years so thank you very much.”
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