Since our significant election defeat, I have had many conversations and listened to many everyday Australians. I have also spoken with my Liberal Party colleagues, candidates, former leaders of our Federal, State and Territory parties, Coalition partners as well as our wider party members and supporters.

It is clear that we got it wrong, and that Australia expects a change in direction and a fresh approach from the Liberal Party.

Therefore, standing here in Albury where our movement was first formed, I announce my candidacy for the position of Federal Leader of the Liberal Party.

The Liberal Party needs to listen to the Australian people and meet them where they are. We need to understand their aspirations.

We need to build a new economic narrative. We need new policy offerings that show Australians we can help them and their families get ahead.

I have been humbled by the overwhelming support that I have received so far and am greatly encouraged by the faith and trust being placed in me by so many parliamentary colleagues.

We need to listen and we need to change. The Liberal Party must respect modern Australia, reflect modern Australia and represent modern Australia.

Many Australians, including women and younger Australians, feel neglected by the Liberal Party. We must rebuild trust with all sections of Australian society and my election as Leader of the Liberal Party would send a very strong signal that we understand things need to be done differently.

We have an enormous depth of talent in our party room and I want to draw on all of it over the next three years. We will carefully develop policies through our robust party room processes, supported by our broader membership, to deliver better outcomes for all Australians. Under my leadership, these policies will always be guided by the timeless values which were the foundation of Menzies’ Liberal Party.

Now more than ever, we need to step up as Liberals. Together, we can rise to the historic challenge facing us over these next three years and earn back the trust of all Australians.