Sussan Ley vows the Coalition will honor Peter Dutton’s legacy by reclaiming Dickson and every seat they previously lost.
Peter Dutton has made a surprise statement on his political future, leaving his colleagues in little doubt about where he stands.
Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton has ruled out a political comeback, telling reporters he is "too old for that" following a standing ovation at the LNP's state conference in Brisbane.
The statement came as delegates debated contentious proposals on pokies, conversion therapy laws, gender-affirming child care, and the Coalition's position on net zero.
Mr Dutton, who lost both the May 3 election and his Dickson seat, sat silently in the back of the convention hall when federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley paid tribute to her predecessor.
Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton has ruled out a political comeback, telling reporters he is "too old for that" following a standing ovation at the LNP's state conference in Brisbane.
The statement came as delegates debated contentious proposals on pokies, conversion therapy laws, gender-affirming child care, and the Coalition's position on net zero.
Mr Dutton, who lost both the May 3 election and his Dickson seat, sat silently in the back of the convention hall when federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley paid tribute to her predecessor.
The Opposition Leader praised Mr Dutton for his "courage, commitment, and conviction," and urged members to give him a standing ovation.
"I want to take a moment, Peter, to once more acknowledge you from the front lines as a Queensland Police officer to the heights of national leadership. Your record is one of courage, commitment, and conviction," she went on.
"I'm happy to have been your deputy for three years. It's one of the most rewarding work experiences of my life.
"You've been a wonderful friend, a source of strength, knowledge, and advice for many years; I was honored to have you lead us. And our parliamentary team was honored to have you lead us."
"I want to take a moment, Peter, to once more acknowledge you from the front lines as a Queensland Police officer to the heights of national leadership. Your record is one of courage, commitment, and conviction," she went on.
"I'm happy to have been your deputy for three years. It's one of the most rewarding work experiences of my life.
"You've been a wonderful friend, a source of strength, knowledge, and advice for many years; I was honored to have you lead us. And our parliamentary team was honored to have you lead us."
Following the speech, Mr Dutton stated that Ms Ley's words were "very humbling" before being questioned about the possibility of a political return.
"I've dedicated almost a quarter of a century to this party and love our state and our country," Mr. Dutton declared.
"I will always do everything I can to see the brightest days ahead of us. But, mate, I am too old for that.
"I think Sussan's doing a great job, and David Littleproud, and people will see more and more policy coming forward."
Mr Dutton has mainly followed through on his promise to quit politics in a dignified silence, with the exception of a tweet cheering the ouster of former Greens leader Adam Bandt.
"I've dedicated almost a quarter of a century to this party and love our state and our country," Mr. Dutton declared.
"I will always do everything I can to see the brightest days ahead of us. But, mate, I am too old for that.
"I think Sussan's doing a great job, and David Littleproud, and people will see more and more policy coming forward."
Mr Dutton has mainly followed through on his promise to quit politics in a dignified silence, with the exception of a tweet cheering the ouster of former Greens leader Adam Bandt.
The conference, however, showed internal party conflicts. Delegates chose to abandon the federal Coalition's promise to net-zero emissions, despite Ms Ley's warning that modernising was critical to regaining urban votes.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan told members that the "net-zero agenda is not working," while Nationals MP Llew O'Brien said it was "illogical" to pursue it given the activities of major polluters overseas.
During the two-day convention, grassroots members debated over 150 resolutions, including proposals to ban poker machines in pubs and clubs, reinstate national service, and remove Welcome to Country rituals from dawn services.
Others attempted to prohibit gender-affirming child care, overturn conversion therapy legislation, and weaken anti-discrimination rights.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan told members that the "net-zero agenda is not working," while Nationals MP Llew O'Brien said it was "illogical" to pursue it given the activities of major polluters overseas.
During the two-day convention, grassroots members debated over 150 resolutions, including proposals to ban poker machines in pubs and clubs, reinstate national service, and remove Welcome to Country rituals from dawn services.
Others attempted to prohibit gender-affirming child care, overturn conversion therapy legislation, and weaken anti-discrimination rights.
The Lilley electoral council claimed that pokies were causing "addiction, family breakdown, and financial ruin," while Toowoomba North members advocated for a "biological definition" of sex in federal legislation.
Premier David Crisafulli, who used last year's convention to promote his "adult crime, adult time" law-and-order message, urged the party to avoid toxic culture war topics, despite their inclusion on the agenda. He has consistently stated that the LNP "does not exist for cultural wars."
Lawrence Springborg, outgoing party president, reminded delegates that if other states had achieved the same result as Queensland in May, Peter Dutton would have been Prime Minister.
Ms Ley, on the other hand, believes that modernising the Liberal Party brand is the key to regaining power.
Premier David Crisafulli, who used last year's convention to promote his "adult crime, adult time" law-and-order message, urged the party to avoid toxic culture war topics, despite their inclusion on the agenda. He has consistently stated that the LNP "does not exist for cultural wars."
Lawrence Springborg, outgoing party president, reminded delegates that if other states had achieved the same result as Queensland in May, Peter Dutton would have been Prime Minister.
Ms Ley, on the other hand, believes that modernising the Liberal Party brand is the key to regaining power.
Ms Ley acknowledged the Coalition's historically low election showing on May 3, saying they will "honour Mr Dutton's legacy "not by looking backward, but by winning back Dickson and every other seat we lost."
"The Australian people sent us a message, and we have heard it." Ms Ley said.
"We will not wimp out."
She claimed Queensland was the "launch pad" for the opposition's return to leadership, with the coalition having 16 of the state's 30 seats.
She implored members not to "look backward in anger," and not to give Labour the "satisfaction" of seeing the party "divided and despondent".
"The Australian people sent us a message, and we have heard it." Ms Ley said.
"We will not wimp out."
She claimed Queensland was the "launch pad" for the opposition's return to leadership, with the coalition having 16 of the state's 30 seats.
She implored members not to "look backward in anger," and not to give Labour the "satisfaction" of seeing the party "divided and despondent".
She also stated that the party will "broaden our appeal" and that the next election assessment by Pru Goward and Nick Minchin will provide "frank findings".
"Australians sent us a message, and we heard it. Too many voters, particularly in our cities, do not identify themselves in today's Liberal Party," she remarked.
"That needs to change. We must evolve. We should extend our appeal. "We must reflect the country we wish to govern."
A "complete economic policy" is also critical to the Coalition's return to office, which appears improbable given the opposition's present dismal 43 seats compared to Labor's 94.
"Australians sent us a message, and we heard it. Too many voters, particularly in our cities, do not identify themselves in today's Liberal Party," she remarked.
"That needs to change. We must evolve. We should extend our appeal. "We must reflect the country we wish to govern."
A "complete economic policy" is also critical to the Coalition's return to office, which appears improbable given the opposition's present dismal 43 seats compared to Labor's 94.
"At the next election, the Coalition will present a complete economic policy, not a grab bag of slogans, but a fully integrated plan that maintains the best of our current system while restoring balance and fairness," she stated, in reference to the roundtable hosted by Labor.
"A fair and balanced economic policy drives productivity, supports viable businesses, attracts investment, encourages aspiration, and lifts living standards."
Other policy targets included increasing housing, designating mental health treatment as a "core business for our health system," boosting women's safety and assistance for domestic abuse prevention, and lifting the nuclear energy embargo.
"A fair and balanced economic policy drives productivity, supports viable businesses, attracts investment, encourages aspiration, and lifts living standards."
Other policy targets included increasing housing, designating mental health treatment as a "core business for our health system," boosting women's safety and assistance for domestic abuse prevention, and lifting the nuclear energy embargo.