FEDERAL Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says it’s time for the Coalition to “get on with the job” after a leadership spill saw Angus Taylor oust Sussan Ley from the role of Opposition Leader.
Mr Taylor defeated Ms Ley by 34 votes to 17 in a ballot held last Friday morning, making him the third leader of the Liberal Party in less than a year.
In a statement to media on Friday, the National Party’s Mr Conaghan – who has served as Cowper’s Federal representative since 2019 – congratulated Mr Taylor and his new deputy Jane Hume.
He said the confirmation of the leadership roles should “bring to a close the weeks of media speculation and distraction”.
“It is now time for the Coalition to work as a unified team, determined not only to provide a formidable Opposition to Labor’s failing Government, but to represent our electorates and all Australians with acute focus and to the best of our ability,” he said.
“They deserve nothing less.
“Sustainable cost-of-living support, responsible energy policy, housing affordability and putting an end to rampant inflation are at the top of our collective lists as a Coalition, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Joint Party Room on the policies that matter the most to the people of Australia.”
Mr Taylor also has the backing of Nationals leader David Littleproud, who claims he has the “skills, smarts and conviction to lead the Liberal Party and the Coalition to win the next election”.
“Angus is the Leader Australia needs to take up the fight against Labor’s reckless spending and ideology.
“Australia is experiencing a drift in our social cohesion, as well as record levels of immigration and debt, and desperately needs someone who will stand up for our great country.
“Angus can offer hope to aspirant Australians and those who are struggling to enter the housing market.”
Speaking at the NSW Country Labor conference on Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared unimpressed with Mr Taylor’s selection, branding him “just another Liberal”.
“Angus Taylor is the fourth Liberal leader in my time leading the Labor Party,” Mr Albanese said.
“And while the Liberals keep changing their leader – they never change their agenda.”
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