Liberal Party Director Analyses Election Defeat

Dec 19, 2007

Brian Loughnane, Federal Director, Liberal PartyThe Liberal Party’s Federal Director, Brian Loughnane, has addressed the National Press Club on the coalition’s election defeat.

Loughnane said it was clear the coalition’s defeat was attributable to longer term strategic issues than short term tactical issues of recent months.

He said: “The swing away from the Government was particularly strong in some outer suburban seats in Sydney and key regional seats, and I believe these concerns with the cost of living and interest rates was an important factor.”

  • Listen to Loughnane’s speech:

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Text of Brian Loughnane’s Address to the National Press Club.

Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I thank the National Press Club for the opportunity of today’s address as it allows me to discuss our defeat and some of the key issues for the Party over the next three years.

I just wish it were different circumstances which brought me here. But on 24th November, the people of Australia voted clearly to change Government. [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Audio, Audio2007, Electoral Behaviour, Howard, Liberal Party Tagged With: , , , ,

Bennelong Declaration Ends Howard’s Political Career

Dec 12, 2007

The Australian Electoral Commission today declared the result in the electorate of Bennelong, formalising Maxine McKew’s victory over the former Prime Minister, John Howard.

Howard and McKew at the Bennelong declaration

Howard attended the declaration, congratulated McKew and spoke of the beauty of a democracy in which a peaceful transition of power can take place. [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Howard, Liberal Party Tagged With: , , , ,

2007 Election: Update On Doubtful Seats

Dec 07, 2007

Labor Government Lead Dwindling; 16-Seat Majority Likely; 8 Seats Still Undecided

Dec 07 – 6.15pm – Nearly two weeks after polling day, counting continues for all electorates in the House of Representatives, with absentee, postal and declaration votes trickling in. The Australian Electoral Commission now has the ALP on 80 seats, the Liberals 50, The Nationals 10, and independents 2. There are 8 seats still in doubt. La Trobe is no longer regarded as doubtful, retained by the Liberal member, Jason Wood, by 889 votes.

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 323.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 221.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 102.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 280.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 196.
  • Robertson – (NSW – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 182.
  • McEwen – (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 22.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 459.

On these figures, a final result seems likely to deliver 83 ALP, 65 Coalition, 2 independents. This would produce a Labor majority of 16 (15 on the floor of the House).

Doubtful Seats Still Doubtful

Nov 30 – 8.45pm – Counting continues for all electorates in the House of Representatives, with absentee, postal and declaration votes trickling in. The deadline for the votes is late next week. The ALP is now 1,158 votes ahead in Corangamite and the AEC has removed it from its list of doubtful seats. McEwen and Robertson have been reinstated:

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 60.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 106.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 116.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 239.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 262.
  • Robertson – (NSW – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 296.
  • McEwen – (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 396.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 544.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 636.

The AEC has the ALP winning 80 seats, the Liberals 49, The Nationals 10, and independents 2. A final result seems likely to deliver 84 or 85 seats to the ALP.

ALP Still On 80 Seats As Counting Continues

Nov 30 – 12.55am – The Australian Electoral Commission currently has the ALP with 80 seats, the Liberals 50, The Nationals 10, and independents 2. It lists 8 seats as doubtful:

  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 27.
  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 60.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 187.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 207.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 262.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 590.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 661.
  • Corangamite (Vic – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 764.

The NSW seat of Macarthur is no longer listed as doubtful. The sitting Liberal member, Pat Farmer, is ahead by 711 votes.

New Doubtfuls Emerge

Nov 28 – 11.00pm – The A.E.C. has added Corangamite, Solomon and Flynn to the six seats classified as doubtful yesterday. Latest counting shows:

  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 21.
  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 108.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 153.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 268.
  • Solomon (NT – CLP) – ALP ahead by 428.
  • Flynn (Qld – open) – ALP ahead by 590.
  • Macarthur (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 598.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 730.
  • Corangamite (Vic – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 767.

In Bennelong, Labor’s Maxine McKew is 2,445 votes ahead of John Howard.

Update On Doubtful Seats

Nov 27 – 5.15pm – Whilst counting is not complete, the Australian Electoral Commission has judged the ALP to have won 83 seats, the Liberals 49, Nationals 10, and Independents 2.

Earlier today, the AEC removed McEwen from its doubtful list after the sitting Liberal member, Fran Bailey, established a lead of 872 votes. There are now 6 doubtful seats:

  • Bowman (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 27.
  • Swan (WA – Labor) – Lib ahead by 63.
  • Dickson (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 234.
  • Macarthur (Qld – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 508.
  • Herbert – (Qld – Liberal) – ALP ahead by 560.
  • La Trobe (Vic – Liberal) – Lib ahead by 712.

The best guess is that Bowman and Swan remain doubtful, whilst the current leaders will win the other seats. On this basis, the worst result for the ALP will be 85 seats, a majority of 20, or 19 after the provision of a Speaker. The most likely best result for the ALP is 87 seats, a majority of 24, or 23 after the provision of a Speaker.

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Howard, Rudd Tagged With: , , , ,

Nelson Announces Shadow Ministry

Dec 06, 2007

The Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Brendan Nelson, has announced the coalition’s new shadow ministry.

Nelson has drawn on the experience of former Howard government ministers such as Julie Bishop, Joe Hockey, Nick Minchin, Malcolm Turnbull and Andrew Robb. He has elevated new faces such as Tony Smith, Greg Hunt, Bob Baldwin, Andrew Southcott, Margaret May, Sussan Ley and Pat Farmer.

Nelson said: “The new Coalition team strikes the right balance between fresh faces and experience.”

This is the text of a media release from the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Brendan Nelson.

Dr. Brendan Nelson, Leader of the OppositionI am pleased to announce today the new Coalition frontbench.

The new Coalition team strikes the right balance between fresh faces and experience. The Shadow Ministry has been chosen on the basis of both proven performance and new members with the potential to contribute to the Coalition over the longer term.

This team has the drive, skills, experience and commitment to offer a credible, viable and attractive alternative Government.

Julie Bishop will take on the important role of Shadow Minister for Employment, Business and Workplace Relations. As the Deputy Leader, Ms Bishop will hold the Government to account and work to ensure the significant employment gains of the past decade are not eroded.

Opposition Senate Leader Nick Minchin will assume responsibility as Shadow Minister for Defence. Senator Minchin is one of the Coalition’s most experienced and skilful operators. His talents are greatly valued by the Liberals and Nationals.

Along with his role as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Eric Abetz becomes Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Malcolm Turnbull will serve as my key economic spokesman as Shadow Treasurer. Malcolm’s economic experience, drive and intellect will be highly valued on the Coalition frontbench.

The Nationals’ Leader Warren Truss will serve as Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government. As our valued Coalition partner, I look forward to working closely with Mr Truss and his colleagues.

Senator Nigel Scullion will provide an alternative to the Government’s approach on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

John Cobb will serve as Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Water Security.

Andrew Robb takes on the important and challenging role of Shadow Foreign Minister. Mr Robb is a proven safe pair of hands. Andrew’s experience will be a great asset to the Coalition team I look forward to his valued contribution on the frontbench.

Joe Hockey will hold the Government to account on Health, while Peter Dutton becomes Shadow Finance Minister, Ian MacFarlane becomes Shadow Trade Minister and Tony Abbott takes on responsibility for Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and the Voluntary Sector.

Senator Chris Ellison becomes Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Helen Coonan takes on Human Services, Senator George Brandis becomes Shadow Attorney General, while Senator David Johnston brings his drive and talents to the position of Shadow Minister for Resources and Energy and Tourism.

Tony Smith, Bruce Billson and Greg Hunt also join the Shadow Cabinet. Mr Smith’s energy, skills and talent make him the ideal candidate to take on the Government in the important Education portfolio. I have also added the important areas of Apprenticeships and Training to Tony’s responsibilities.

Bruce Billson will enthusiastically develop the alternative Government’s plans for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Greg Hunt becomes Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Urban Water. Greg will work tirelessly in this critically important portfolio.

There are a number of new faces in the Outer Shadow Ministry.

Senator Michael Ronaldson brings his considerable experience and talents as Shadow Special Minister of State. I welcome Michael Keenan to the frontbench as Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Steven Ciobo as Shadow Minister for Small Business, the Service Economy and Tourism.

Christopher Pyne becomes Shadow Minister for Justice and Border Protection, Sharman Stone takes on Environment, Heritage, the Arts and Indigenous Affairs and Bronwyn Bishop returns in the role of Shadow Veterans Affairs Minister.

The Nationals’ Luke Hartsuyker will take up the position of Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs.

Bob Baldwin, Andrew Southcott, Margaret May, Sussan Ley and Pat Farmer also join the Coalition frontbench.

The following Members and Senators will serve as Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries; Cory Bernardi, Richard Colbeck, Mark Coulton, John Forrest, Jo Gash, Barry Haase, Peter Lindsay, Ian Macdonald, Louise Markus, Brett Mason, Sophie Mirabella, Marise Payne and Don Randall.

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Howard, Liberal Party, Opposition, Shadow Ministries Tagged With: , , , , ,

Coalition Shadow Ministry From December 6, 2007

Dec 06, 2007

The new Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Brendan Nelson, has announced the coalition’s shadow ministry.

The team comprises a mix of former Howard government ministers and new faces.

  • Read Nelson’s statement on the Shadow Ministry
  • Download a PDF version of the Shadow Ministry
  • Listen to the Press Conference held by Brendan Nelson, Julie Bishop and Warren Truss:

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This is the Shadow Ministry as announced by Dr. Brendan Nelson.

Shadow Cabinet

  1. Brendan Nelson – Leader of the Opposition
  2. Julie Bishop – Deputy Leader of the Opposition; Employment, Business and Workplace Relations
  3. Warren Truss – Leader of The Nationals; Infrastructure and Transport and Local Government
  4. Senator Nick Minchin – Leader of the Opposition in the Senate; Defence
  5. Senator Eric Abetz – Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate; Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
  6. Malcolm Turnbull – Treasury
  7. Joe Hockey – Health and Ageing; Leader of Opposition Business in the House
  8. Andrew Robb – Foreign Affairs
  9. Ian MacFarlane – Trade
  10. Tony Abbott – Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and the Voluntary Sector
  11. Senator Nigel Scullion – Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
  12. Senator Helen Coonan – Human Services
  13. Tony Smith – Education, Apprenticeships and Training
  14. Greg Hunt – Climate Change, Environment and Urban Water
  15. Peter Dutton – Finance, Competition Policy and Deregulation
  16. Senator Chris Ellison – Immigration and Citizenship; Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
  17. Senator George Brandis – Attorney General
  18. Senator David Johnston – Resources and Energy, Tourism
  19. John Cobb – Regional Development, Water Security

Outer Shadow Ministry

  1. Chris Pyne – Justice, Border Protection and Assisting Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
  2. Senator Michael Ronaldson – Shadow Special Minister of State
  3. Steven Ciobo – Small Business, the Service Economy and Tourism
  4. Sharman Stone – Environment, Heritage, the Arts and Indigenous Affairs
  5. Michael Keenan – Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Superannuation and Corporate Governance
  6. Margaret May – Ageing
  7. Bob Baldwin – Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence
  8. Luke Hartsuyker – Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs; Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the House
  9. Bronwyn Bishop – Veterans’ Affairs
  10. Andrew Southcott – Employement Participation and Apprenticeships and Training
  11. Sussan Ley – Housing, Status of Women
  12. Pat Farmer – Youth and Sport

Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries

  1. Don Randall – Assisting the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Cabinet Secretary
  2. Senator Ian Macdonald – Assisting the Leader of the Opposition, Northern Australia
  3. Senator Richard Colbeck – Health
  4. Senator Brett Mason – Education
  5. Peter Lindsay – Defence
  6. Barry Haase – Infrastructure, Roads and Transport
  7. John Forrest – Trade
  8. Louise Markus – Immigration and Citizenship
  9. Sophie Mirabella – Local Government
  10. Jo Gash – Tourism
  11. Mark Coultan – Ageing and the Voluntary Sector
  12. Senator Marise Payne – Foreign Affairs
  13. Senator Cory Bernardi – Families, Community Services

Filed Under: 2007 Federal Election, Audio, Audio2007, Howard, Liberal Party, Opposition, Shadow Ministries Tagged With: , , , , ,
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