“It is a huge privilege to be elected as the Leader of the Liberal Party, and I want to acknowledge every one of my colleagues who’ve given me that opportunity.

While the significance of the election result is not lost on any of us, I approach this new position with enormous optimism.

I am committed to listen to the message voters have delivered, and commit the Liberal Party to respect, reflect and represent the views and needs of modern Australia.

That said, representing the interests of Farrer is my number one focus and always has been. Being the leader of our party will never play second fiddle to looking after Farrer.

Like so many regional areas, we are being completely ignored by Labor – I intend to be a firm, sensible voice arguing the needs of our nation, both city and country.

I know some have said that it will be tough to balance the job of local MP with this party leadership role, but I disagree entirely: ‘tough’ was raising three children on a family farm while pursuing a university degree.”

A transcript of Sussan’s first media conference as Leader of the Opposition is linked here.