But he also highlighted his experience in the portfolios of health, finance, assistant treasurer, sports and employment and paid tribute to two political mentors – John Howard and Peter Costello – in a message to members of the party’s moderate wing. who have seen a number of MPs ousted from parliament by Labor, green pro-independence and green.
“We are not the Moderate Party. We are not the Conservative Party. We are liberals. We are the Liberal Party. We believe in families, whatever their composition. Small and micro businesses. For the “forgotten people” with aspirations and hard workers in cities, suburbs, regions and the forest, “he said.
Former Dickson Defense Secretary and Federal Member Peter Dutton with his family son (left to right), Tom, daughter Rebecca, wife Kirilly and son Harry in BrisbaneCredit: Dan Peled
The commentary recalls Sir Robert Menzies’ decision to appoint the Liberals, rather than the Conservatives, when he founded the party in 1944.
In recent days, Liberal MPs have downplayed Dutton’s image as a “tough guy” and emphasized his pragmatic approach to politics as a social conservative rather than a religious one.
Dutton expressed hope that as the leader of the opposition, a position he would probably win without opposition, “the Australian public could see the rest of my character. The side that my family, friends and colleagues see.”
“The side of my community sees where I have been chosen 8 times. I come from the suburbs and I have never changed my values or forgotten where I came from, ”he said.
His wife Kirilly, a successful businesswoman, supported her husband to lead the Liberal Party.
“Peter is an amazing father and the kids love him. He has a great sense of humor, very dry and witty, but he also has an incredible compassion, especially when it comes to protecting women and children,” she said. in the statement.
“He hides much of his excitement from the public, but is even more angry at allegations of sexual abuse or harm to children or women. He obviously comes from his time as a police officer working in this area, but also from being the older than 5 children who grew up in the suburbs. “
Labor MPs are also positioning themselves for promotion as Anthony Albanese prepares to present his ministerial formation early next week, with at least three cabinet changes pending.
Richard Marles will move to the Defense portfolio, which means he will have to find a role for former spokesman Brendan O’Connor, with the Home Affairs portfolio a possibility after Kristina Keneally lost her bid for move to Fowler’s lower house.
Former shadow environment minister Terri Butler will also have to be replaced and two women are expected to replace Keneally and Butler.
Albanese is expected to reduce the cabinet from 23 to 21 members, but the ministry will still be 30, with 16 members on the right and 14 on the left, depending on the final breakdown of seats.
From the left faction, NSW Sen. Jenny McCallister sees a great opportunity to move into the cabinet, while from the right, NSW MP Kristy McBain and Queensland MP Anika Wells could be promoted to the Foreign Office. .
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Victorian MP Rob Mitchell, who was the last speaker in the House of Representatives, is running for speaker, although Queensland MP Milton Dick and NSW MP Sharon Claydon have also been discussed. independent of Tasmania Andrew Wilkie. Senator Sue Lines is expected to become president of the Senate.