Peter Dutton shares Easter message of ‘hope and renewal’ following Liberal election losses

Peter Dutton has offered a message ahead of the long weekend, wishing Aussies a happy Easter after a tumultuous fortnight for the Liberals.

Peter Dutton has shared an Easter message of “hope and renewal” following a tumultuous fortnight for the Liberal Party.

The Opposition Leader wished Australians a happy Easter on behalf of the federal Coalition on the eve of the long weekend and after resounding losses in the NSW state election and Aston by-election.

“For Christians everywhere, this is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ – and the profound impact his teachings continue to have on our lives,” Mr Dutton said in a statement.

“Of course, Easter is also a time for family, for chocolate eggs and for visits from the Easter bunny.

“As we enjoy these great traditions together, let us remember the true meaning of Easter and the message of hope and renewal that it brings.”

He said the messages of Easter – “atonement, forgiveness, love, and hope” – held meaning for everyone.

“I wish you a very happy and safe Easter holiday, filled with love from your family and those closest to you, as we come together to celebrate the values that make our nation great,” he said.

Mr Dutton’s Easter message comes as the Liberal Party picks up the pieces after its recent drubbing in both the NSW state election and the Aston by-election in Melbourne.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has shared an Easter message with Australians. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Labor now holds government across the entire Australian mainland after Chris Minns secured the NSW premiership and ended the Coalition’s 12-year reign on March 26.

The party also made history in the Aston by-election which was triggered by the resignation of former Liberal cabinet minister on Alan Tudge, with Mary Doyle’s victory on Saturday marking the first time a government has won a seat from the opposition in more than a century.

The results have prompted questions about what Mr Dutton and the Liberals can do to win over Australians before the next federal election, with some MPs calling for a return to moderate policies and others suggesting targeting outer suburban and regional voters.

In the immediate aftermath of the Aston poll, Mr Dutton said he was focused on uniting his party and would release any new policies closer to the next federal election.

It remains to be seen how the electorate receives the federal Liberals’ decision this week to oppose enshrining an Indigenous Voice to parliament in the Constitution.

The Liberals voted at a party room meeting in Canberra on Wednesday to oppose the government’s preferred model for the Voice. Polling suggests a majority of Australians support the idea at this stage of the debate.

As he announced his party’s decision on Wednesday, Mr Dutton confirmed he would actively campaign for a “no” vote in the referendum on changing the constitution later this year, which will need a majority of Australians in a majority of states to succeed.