E&OE…
ANGUS TAYLOR:
We've just heard an emotional press conference from David Littleproud as he announced his resignation as leader of the Federal National Party.
Can I say that David has made a great contribution as the leader of the party since 2022 - a devastating election loss. And of course he has played a crucial role, as he said in his press conference a few moments ago, in shaping the direction of the Coalition, shaping the direction of policy across our side of politics over the last four years.
Whether it's in nuclear policy, or whether in fact it's in the referendum, or in many, many other areas - the USO he mentioned - David has played a crucial role. I've watched that, I've seen that, and it is a great legacy that he has made that contribution over that time period.
Can I also say that David is an incredibly committed person when it comes to rural and regional Australia. I have seen time and time again he has stood up for his constituents, he's stood up for people across rural and regional Australia, and of course I'm someone from that part of the world myself and I've seen the strength and commitment and dedication he's shown to people across rural and regional Australia over a long period of time.
He's also deeply committed to the National Party and the National Party has been an important part of our political landscape in this country for a very, very long time.
Can I say that I have found David to be a committed Coalitionist as well. And this is incredibly important because we've had a difficult time in the Coalition.
The night after I became Leader of the Liberal Party and Opposition Leader, David and I had dinner and we spoke about how to get the Coalition back on track.
Everything he said to me that night he has done. He is a man of his word. He is a man of his handshake and I have found that consistently, not just in the last few weeks since I've become leader, but I have seen that over a long period of time.
I also know he's a great patriot and he believes in this country and he gets up each day to fight for rural and regional Australia, but fight for Australia as well.
A wise person said to me many years ago, 'It's not how you get on the horse that people remember you, but how you get off.' And I think David is a man of great dignity who has led his party with great energy and commitment.
The fact that he has decided now it's time for someone else to take over, and I know he will support that person. I know he will continue to support the National Party, the Coalition and this great country. And I thank him for his extraordinary service.
I'm glad to know that he's going to continue on as the Member for Maranoa. We need him fighting for Maranoa and fighting for others across rural and regional Australia for years to come.
I wish him and Amelia and their family the very best, but I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him and see him in the Parliament.
Thank you very much.