The Sunshine Coast’s two federal MPs are among pollies impacted by a Liberal leadership restructure.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien lost the positions of Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Treasurer but was appointed Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, while Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace was dumped from the Shadow Attorney-General role.
The moves came after Angus Taylor replaced Sussan Ley as Leader of the Opposition following a spill.
Mr O’Brien said he was “honoured” to be receive his new position and outlined his credentials.
“In an increasingly complex global environment, our foreign policy must be clear-eyed, values-led and firmly grounded in our national interest,” he said.
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“Much of my 20-plus years in business, prior to entering parliament, was spent living and working in overseas markets, and so I look forward to bringing my experience as a practitioner in international affairs to this new role.
“I have also been deeply engaged in foreign affairs as a parliamentarian including serving on the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade; chairing the Trade Sub-Committee; and serving on the Joint Standing Committee for Treaties.”
He also congratulated Mr Taylor and new deputy Jane Hume on their elections.
“Both are outstanding individuals who will serve our party and our nation well. It is critical that we unite behind Angus and Jane in holding this bad government to account,” he said.
“I also thank Sussan Ley for her dedicated service and leadership during a challenging period for our party.”
Mr Wallace also issued a statement, saying it was a “genuine privilege” to have been Shadow Attorney-General.
“I thank Sussan Ley for the confidence she placed in me and for the opportunity to serve in her Shadow Ministry,” he said.
“Even in a relatively short period, the responsibility of overseeing matters relating to the rule of law, national security and the integrity of our legal system is one I always sought to execute with diligence.”
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He wished Senator Michaelia Cash well in her return to the role and said he was committed to the Opposition and his electorate.
“Australians are facing significant challenges,” he said.
“Living standards have declined, families are under cost-of-living pressure and small businesses are doing it tough. As an Opposition … we must present a credible alternative, focused on restoring economic confidence and protecting our way of life.
“As the Federal Member for Fisher, my commitment to my community does not change. I will continue to advocate strongly for the good people of Fisher, every single day. And now I’ll have more time to do it.”
Meanwhile, Nambour-based Senator James McGrath, who initially supported Ms Ley before shifting to Mr Taylor, has been shunted from the shadow cabinet to the outer ministry, but retains the same role as Shadow Minister for State and keeps his Cities and Urban Infrastructure portfolios.
