I welcome the decision to re-form the Coalition between the Liberal Party and The Nationals.
The Federal Coalition has delivered the best form of government in our nation’s history, and our party room is united in its commitment to reset this successful political partnership for the future.
Out of respect to millions of Coalition supporters across Australia, we took the time to get the settings right as part of the negotiations with the Liberal Party.
Personally, I took the view ‘the things that united us, were bigger than the things that divided us’ and worked constructively with The Nationals leadership team to help secure this result.
Every moment we spend talking about internal party issues is a free pass to a weak and divisive Prime Minister who has failed to keep his promises to lower energy bills and govern for all Australians.
Australia deserves a better government which has policies to unite the country and programs aimed at bridging the gap in services between city and country people.
As a Coalition, we need to commit ourselves to doing the hard work required to hold the government to account as we engage with all Australians, listen to their concerns, and develop policies that make a difference in people’s lives.
Key issues around the cost of living impacts on housing affordability and energy; a balanced immigration program which is in Australia’s best interests; transport and telecommunication infrastructure in the regions; national security and safety on our streets; and the delivery of key services in health, aged care, disability and childcare are more important than internal party differences.
On the last point, we need better family polices in Australia that respect choice and the pivotal role of families in raising the next generation, and not forcing everyone into an institutionalised model of childcare.
It’s time to take a more holistic look at how we support young families who are often hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis.
These are big issues to be resolved, and it will take a united Coalition team to develop the sensible policies which respect individual choice in Australian families and deliver a safer, stronger, fairer Australia, where everyone can get ahead.
I’m also looking forward to returning to the role of Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, where I can work constructively with current and former Australian Defence Force personnel on policies to support the men and women who keep us safe.
