BAILLIEU RESIGNS – DENIS NAPTHINE NEW VICTORIAN PREMIER

Mar 06, 2013 Leave a Comment

The former Victorian Liberal leader, Denis Napthine, has been re-elected tonight and will become Premier following the resignation of Ted Baillieu.

Liberal MPs were given ten minutes notice of a party-room meeting to be held at 7pm tonight. Baillieu offered his resignation to the partyroom and Denis Napthine was elected in his place.

Napthine

Baillieu spoke to the media just before 8pm. He offered no reason for his resignation other than the need for new leadership. He said he would remain in parliament.

Baillieu

Napthine’s media conference ended abruptly with the ringing of the division bells in the Legislative Assembly. He spoke emotionally of his regard for Baillieu but seemed otherwise unprepared for his elevation to the premiership.

Napthine

The political drama follows several days of upheaval over the publication of tape recorded conversations involving Baillieu’s Chief of Staff, Tony Nutt, a former Liberal candidate, Tristan Weston, and the Liberal Party State Director, Damien Mantach.

Earlier today, the Liberal member for Frankston, Geoff Shaw, resigned from the Liberal Party to sit as an independent. He cited lack of confidence in the government’s leadership as his reason. His resignation reduced the government’s two-seat majority to one. Some reports suggest Shaw may have delivered an ultimatum to the Liberal Party.

Napthine was leader of the Liberal Party following its surprise defeat in the 1999 election. He was replaced by Robert Doyle just months before the 2002 election. Doyle was replaced by Ted Baillieu in 2006. He led the Liberals to defeat in the 2006 election before narrowly winning the 2010 election.

Ted Baillieu saw the Governor, Alex Chernov at approximately 9.50pm tonight and tendered his resignation. Denis Napthine was sworn in at 10.20pm. He is Victoria’s 47th Premier since 1855.

Baillieu has held a press conference confirming his resignation.

  • Listen to Baillieu’s press conference (6m)

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  • Watch Baillieu:
  • Listen to Napthine’s press conference

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  • Listen to Napthine sworn in and first remarks as Premier (1m)

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Statement from Geoff Shaw, Liberal MP for Frankston.

Released from his electorate office at 6.23pm.

This morning I advised the Premier of Victoria of my resignation from the Parliamentary Liberal Party, effective immediately. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Audio2013, Liberal Party, VIC, Video Tagged With: , , , ,

“Our Plan” – Tony Abbott Releases Coalition Policy Document

Jan 27, 2013 Leave a Comment

The Liberal Party has released a 50-page policy document for this year’s federal election.

The booklet is titled: “Our Plan – Real Solutions for all Australians – The direction, values and policy priorities of the next Coalition government.”

An accompanying YouTube video has also been released:

The booklet repackages announcements made by the Coalition over the past year and does not appear to contain any new policies. It lists 12 general policy priorities, including “a stronger, more productive and diverse economy with lower taxes”. It promises a Coalition government “will get the Budget back under control” and “help families get ahead by freeing them from the burdens of the carbon tax”.

The Coalition says it will generate “one million new jobs over the next five years” and “two million jobs over the next decade”. It promises “more modern infrastructure” and says it will deliver “better services” including heath services and education. The direct action plan – “to reduce carbon emissions inside Australia, not overseas” – remains, as does the commitment to a 15,000-strong Green Army “charged with the clean-up and conservation of our environment”.

The plan promises “stronger border protection” and “stable government that restores accountability”. It says Tony Abbott’s first overseas trip as Prime Minister “will be to Indonesia to renew cooperation against people smugglers”.

The plan talks in general terms of a “5-Pillar economy” in manufacturing, agriculture, services, education and research, and mining. It talks of improving productivity, cutting red tape and assisting small business. [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2013 Federal Election, Audio2013, Liberal Party, The Nationals, Video Tagged With: , , ,

Tony Abbott Briefs Liberal Party Candidates

Jan 24, 2013 Leave a Comment

This is video of today’s Liberal Party candidate briefing by Tony Abbott.

Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey and Liberal Party Federal Director Brian Loughnane participated in the conference call.

The Opposition Leader is planning a “mini campaign” over the coming week.

 

Filed Under: 2013 Federal Election, Liberal Party, Video Tagged With: , , , ,

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: , , , ,

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: , , , , ,
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