It has been an honour to serve as Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Communications for the past three years.
While I am very disappointed not to be reappointed to shadow cabinet or included in the ministry, I remain deeply committed to serving the people of Victoria in the Australian Senate.
I regret that a number of high performing Liberal women have been overlooked or demoted in the new ministry.
Today, I am more determined than ever to fight for Australian women which must start with a comprehensive policy platform.
I understand how important strong, principled policy is to our nation’s future.
Working with my colleagues and dedicated staff, I am very proud of my work in the education portfolio including our plan to return Australia to a top ten education nation, underpinned by an uncompromising commitment to explicit instruction and evidence-based teaching.
The Coalition’s education policies, though not prominent during the election campaign, offer serious solutions to raise education standards, better support teachers and students including Indigenous children in remote communities, fix the national curriculum and improve the standard of teacher training.
This is work to which I remain passionately committed. I won’t give up on my mission to ensure every young Australian achieves his or her best potential.
Consistent with our values, the Liberal Party has much soul searching to do to win back the trust and faith of Australians.
I am deeply committed to that important work which must start with listening, addressing our failings and developing a comprehensive policy agenda in the best interest of all Australians.
Since entering politics, I’ve fought for Victorians on many fronts – job creation, energy security, better roads and rail, small business and manufacturing, defence industry, women’s safety, affordable housing and a fair go for the regions including our farmers.
I will continue to be a strong Liberal voice for Victorians in Canberra. My resolve is undiminished.