MEDIA STATEMENT 17 February 2026
Following today’s announcement by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP, I conclude my service as Shadow Attorney-General.
It has been a genuine privilege to hold this portfolio. I thank Sussan Ley for the confidence she placed in me and for the opportunity to serve in her Shadow Ministry. Even in a relatively short period, the responsibility of overseeing matters relating to the rule of law, national security and the integrity of our legal system is one I always sought to execute with diligence. These pillars are fundamental to our democracy, and it was an honour to advance and defend them on behalf of our team.
I was also proud to serve as Shadow Cabinet Secretary during Sussan’s nine months as Leader. They were demanding circumstances for our party, and she led with strength and resolve. I remain grateful for her leadership and the trust she extended to me.
In recent months I have engaged extensively with legal practitioners, community representatives and policy experts across the country. I thank them for their frank advice and their ongoing work to strengthen our justice system and safeguard our institutions. I wish the Hon. Senator Michaelia Cash well in her return to her old stomping grounds.
Australians are facing significant challenges. Living standards have declined, families are under cost-of-living pressure and small businesses are doing it tough. As an Opposition, we must now work harder to hold this bad Labor Government to account. We must present a credible alternative focused on restoring economic confidence and protecting our way of life.
As the Federal Member for Fisher, my commitment to my community does not change. I will continue to advocate strongly for the good people of Fisher, every single day. And now I’ll have more time to do it.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
