Julian Simmonds (Ryan, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to commend my beloved Liberal Party on its 75th anniversary. I've been in the Liberal Party, now the LNP, in Queensland for 16 years, and I am proud of it and its members every single day. I joined the party because I was inspired by John Howard's passion for our party to deliver practical outcomes for families and individuals, for ensuring safety and security and for a fair go. Our party will always be vibrant when the individuals that compose it and the thousands of hardworking everyday Australians share a passion for influencing Australia through a mix of Liberal policies that embrace more choices for the individual and a conservative protection of the traditions that make Australia great.

The Liberal Party has always represented a broader cross-section of the Australian public than any other political grouping. Labor would seek to pigeonhole us for political purposes. But, in truth, we are for the upward movement of all ambitious Australians, regardless of race, religion, sex or income. The party's success is testament to this fact, and our continued embrace of this broad cross-section of Australians is the secret to our future success.

To the men and women of the Liberal Party: thank you for your commitment every day to ensure our party can continue to better the lives of Australians. It is the privilege of my life to fight by your side in this great endeavour. From Menzies' forgotten people to Howard's battlers and Morrison's quiet Australians to them I say: you will always have a champion in the Liberal Party of Australia.