Just hours after assuming the position of leader of the Liberal Party, Peter Dutton has admitted he “made a mistake” by boycotting the 2008 National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
The Dickson MP was one of a handful of conservative politicians who refused to attend the formal apology, delivered by former Labor PM Kevin Rudd, on behalf of Australian governments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
After being sworn is as Scott Morrison’s successor for the Liberal party’s top job, Dutton admitted his wrongdoing.
“I made a mistake in relation to the apology and largely that was because of my own background and experience,” he said.
“Many of you have lived out in regional areas and many of you haven’t.”
“I understand the symbolism and I made that mistake.”
Mr Dutton has been named Liberal leader with former environment minister Sussan Ley as his deputy after both MPs ran unopposed for their respective leadership positions, and were sworn in on Monday in Canberra.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison told waiting journalists in the Parliament House corridor, “I heartily congratulate Peter and Sussan.”
“They are incredibly experienced, well versed, deeply committed Australians to both the Liberal cause and of course the cause of the nation. I think they’ll do an outstanding job,” he said.
It was a big day for party leaders in Canberra, as David Littleproud toppled Barnaby Joyce to take over the leadership of the National Party.
Littleproud vowed to steer the Coalition towards “the sensible centre” as he emerged victorious, saying it was the “proudest day of my political life”.
“This is not about the National Party, lurching left or lurching right, it’s using common sense and being in the sensible centre,” he told reporters at Parliament House.
“That’s where you win elections — not chasing extremities.”
After his overwhelming defeat, Barnaby Joyce assured reporters he was not upset by the loss, and said he looked forward to getting back to his family and the people of New England.
He said, “I gave every ounce of my energy to make sure that I looked after the people of regional Australia.”
“Thank you for all your support, I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of my nation and on behalf of my electorate,” he said.
Image credits: Getty Images
