Peter Dutton, leader of Australia’s centre-right Liberal Party, has conceded the election and his seat of Dickson in front of party faithful in Brisbane on election night.
The centre-left Labor Party is projected to win a majority government with 85 seats, while the Greens have two, independents nine, and others two.
Dutton earlier called the prime minister to congratulate him on his success and the historic occasion for the Labor Party.
Dutton Confident Coalition Can Rebuild
In a speech, Dutton focused on the love for his country and conceded the Liberal-National Coalition had allowed the Labor Party to define the campaign.“We’ve been defined by our opponents in this election, which is not the true story of who we are. But we will rebuild from here. We will do that because we know our values, we know our beliefs, and we always stick to them,” Dutton said.
“Now we didn’t do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility for that.”
Dutton said the Liberal family was hurting right across the country, including in his electorate of Dickson.
“And I want to say thank you very much to all of them. They are amazing people,” he said.
“Ultimately, we live in the best country in the world. I’ve always believed that and I always will. I love this country and I have fought hard for it.”
Dutton thanked the Australian people for the faith they had placed in him and for the great honour of having been the leader of the opposition and Member for Dickson.
Many Amazing Stories
Dutton said one of the great honours of being the leader of the party was meeting people from every side and corner of this country.“There are many amazing stories. People who have sacrificed, people who are doing it hard at the moment, and I have always wanted in public life the best for our country and the best for every Australian,” he said.
The opposition leader said the highlight of his career had been serving as defence minister, a position he held under the former Morrison government.
“Over the course of this campaign on Anzac Day, we caught up with young veterans in Townsville and the RSL, and it reminded me of how lucky we are as a country. I want to acknowledge all those men in uniform who keep us safe as a country,” Dutton said.
Dutton also conceded he had lost his seat of Dickson, which he held for 24 years.
He revealed he had spoken to Ali France, the Labor candidate.
“Ali and I have been combatants for a number of elections now, but she was successful in Dickson tonight and she will do a good job as the local member,” Dutton said.
‘Great Honour’ to Serve as Leader
Dutton said it had been a great honour to be the leader of the Liberal Party for the past three years.He thanked National’s Leader David Littleproud, Deputy Leader Sussan Ley, Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, and other senior members, along with party officials and staff.
“I also want to say a very big thank you to the millions of Australians who have supported the Liberal Party and the Coalition,” Dutton said.
“It is not our night, as I pointed out. And there are good members and candidates who have lost their seats or their ambition, and I’m sorry for that.”
He then thanked those closest to him.
“I am blessed to have an amazing family ... They’ve stood by me through thick and thin and I am so grateful for their support and for their love.”
