Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton says he won’t be making a comeback to politics because he is “too old for that”.
Mr Dutton, who led the Coalition to defeat at this year’s federal election, and also lost his seat of Dickson, was given a standing ovation at the LNP convention in Brisbane on Friday.
He sat at the back of the room among hundreds of fellow party members and listened on as Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley addressed the crowd.
Peter Dutton speaks with Sussan Ley after her speech. (ABC News: Jack McKay)
Following her speech, Mr Dutton told media that Ms Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud were doing a “great job”.
“I think you saw in Sussan’s speech today a commitment to the principles which are important to families,” he said.
He said he was humbled by the standing ovation from the LNP faithful.
“I’m very grateful. I’ve got some wonderful friends in the room,” he said.
“I’ve dedicated almost a quarter of a century to this party and love our state and our country, and I will always do everything I can to see the best days ahead of us.”
Asked if he would ever make a return to politics, Mr Dutton said: “No, mate, I’m too old for that.”
Sussan Ley addresses the party faithful. (AAP: Fraser Barton)
No-one ‘more special’ than Peter Dutton
Ms Ley began her address to the convention by paying tribute to Mr Dutton — saying she was proud to have served as his deputy for three years.
“The membership [of the party] is always very special to me. Today, no-one is more special than our previous leader, Peter Dutton,” she said.
“From the frontlines as a Queensland police officer to the heights of national leadership, your record is one of courage, commitment, and conviction.
“You’ve been a great friend, a source of strength, wisdom, and advice over many years.”
Ms Ley told the crowd that she thought often about Mr Dutton as she walked the corridors of Parliament House in Canberra.
“What would Peter say? What we would he do? What examples can I draw from from his leadership of our team?” she said.
Loading…Queensland key to Coalition
In the May federal poll, the Coalition lost five seats in Queensland, including Mr Dutton’s seat of Dickson, north of Brisbane.
Red bleeds through in LNP’s Queensland stronghold
Ms Ley told the convention the Coalition could not win government without winning Queensland.
“This state is not only our heartland — it is our launch pad,” she said, pointing out the Coalition still held 16 of Queensland’s 30 seats.
“Even in adversity, people like [Longman MP] Terry Young and others delivered because Peter Dutton’s work built a legacy of strength.
“Our task is to honour that legacy, not by looking backwards, but by winning back Dickson and every other seat that we lost.”
Ms Ley said the party also needed to confront the reality of the election loss.
“Too many voters, particularly in our urban centres, could not see themselves in today’s Liberal Party,” she said.
“That must change. We must modernise. We must broaden our appeal. We must reflect the country we seek to government. We must never lose sight of our values.”