Gold Coast MP tells why he voted for Malcolm Turnbull — and against good mate Tony Abbott

FOR eight years Gold Coast MP and Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert counted Tony Abbott as a close friend.

FOR eight years Gold Coast MP and Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert counted Tony Abbott as a close friend.

Yesterday Mr Robert revealed he had made a “devastating” but necessary decision to vote against Prime Minister Tony Abbott and back challenger Malcolm Turnbull.

“Politics is not about friendship — it’s about capacity and confidence,” he said.

“Those are the rules of the game and we all know them when we enter politics.

“Tony was devastated. I was also devastated but the national interest was fundamental.”

Mr Robert said he felt “absolutely” confident the change in government would translate into economic benefits for the Gold Coast.

“Mr Turnbull has a wealth of economic experience and there will be a new focus on growing the economy, creating jobs, driving productivity and housing policy,” he said.

LABOR VOTERS BACK TURNBULL FOR PM

NEW PM A ‘FRIEND OF THE GOLD COAST’

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Julie Bishop with Stuart Robert, during Question Time in the House of Representatives. Pic: Gary Ramage

“All these issues are the bread and butter of the Gold Coast.

“I’m confident that the voice of the Gold Coast will be heard at the highest levels of the country.

“Issues that affect our city will be at front and centre.”

Mr Robert said he spoke to Mr Abbott after the dramatic events in the party room which saw him ousted.

“He was obviously devastated — we chatted briefly and I thanked him for his services as prime minister,” he said.

“He was as good as one can expect him to be after losing the prime ministership.

“He didn’t hold any malice towards me and that’s what makes him such a tremendous Australian who has done so much for our nation.

“We have been friends since 2007 and we went to Afghanistan together for the first time.

“This was not a decision I made lightly.”

Tony Abbott with Stuart Robert in parliament.

As speculation swirls about the future of the city’s four Liberal MPs, Mr Robert looks set to become the first Gold Coast-based federal cabinet minister in nearly 35 years.

The last Gold Coast MP to serve as a senior minister was long-time McPherson MP Eric Robinson, who was finance minister in the Fraser government. He died in office in January 1981.

Late former Fadden MP David Jull briefly served as administrative services minister in the first Howard government but resigned in 1997 as a result of the travel rorts affair.

Mr Turnbull, 60, is set to unveil his new-look cabinet this week and Mr Robert is being discussed as a likely candidate for promotion.

However, he is not expected to receive the coveted Defence portfolio, despite a long military career and well-regarded service as the assistant minister.

Mr Robert was pragmatic and surprisingly relaxed about his future.

“The Prime Minister gives and the Prime Minister takes away, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.

No matter how the dice falls for him, he was unwavering in his confidence the country had an “extraordinarily strong” team in Mr Turnbull, Julie Bishop and Scott Morrison.

“This will be a big change for the country,” he said.

“I’m convinced a strong team has been put together with a strong focus on productivity, economic growth and jobs.”

Mr Robert said he would be raising three urgent issues with the new Prime Minister and Treasurer, including more federal funding for the city’s light rail system.

“Light rail is essential for moving people around denser urban areas and is far more effective than roads,” he said.

“Community safety also needs to be addressed.

“People need to feel safe in the streets from scourges such as bikie groups and ideologies like we are seeing in ISIL,” he warned.

Gold Coast MP and Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert at his Labrador office. Photo: Kit Wise

Domestic violence on the Coast was another pressing concern which he would raise with the new leadership.

He said this was being fuelled to some extent by narcotics such as ice, and other methamphetamine-based drugs.

A source well-connected in the LNP said Mr Robert was regarded as a strong performer by party bosses during his two years as Assistant Defence Minister.

“Stuart may be the Defence minister one day but I don’t think it will be this week,” a Liberal source said.

“He is not quite there yet but he has done good work so far and will probably be rewarded for his work.”

Originally published as Gold Coast MP tells why he voted for Malcolm Turnbull — and against good mate Tony Abbott