Rock star reception for Tony Abbott after 25 years as federal member for Warringah

It was supposed to be a sombre farewell — but instead it felt more like a victory party | GALLERY

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former prime minister Tony Abbott arrive for a tribute dinner at the Miramare Gardens. Picture: AAP

It was supposed to be a sombre farewell — but instead it felt more like a victory party.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has often divided opinion, but more than 1000 prominent figures from across the political spectrum joined on Thursday night to commemorate a career that while dramatic, was certainly never dull.

Held in the grand ballroom of Miramare Gardens on Sydney’s northern beaches, the tribute dinner­ feted Mr Abbott’s 25 years of service as the federal member for Warringah before being ­unseated by independent Zali Steg­gall at the May election.

Tony Abbott’s gala send-off

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Flanked by close family and friends, including younger sister Christine Forster, Mr Abbott arrived­ to a rockstar reception about 7.30pm and was greeted by a standing ovation.

While the man of the night was clearly emotional on occasion, there was an overwhelming air of jubilation in the room. His wife, Margie, was unable to see­ the overflow of affection, with longstanding 2GB host Alan Jones — who compered the gala send-off — explaining that she was in St Vincent’s Hospital, “recover­ing well’’ from a lumpect­omy.

Scott Morrison paid tribute to Mr Abbott, using his now-famous catchphrase: “I’m going to say this right off the bat — how good is Tony Abbott? As a journalist he was a frustrated politician, as a politician he was a frustrated journalist­, and as a trainee priest he was just ­frustrated.”

Josh Frydenberg and former Prime Minister John Howard. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Prime Minister turned ­serious, adding: “His success in bringing back Australia’s sons and daughters shot down on MH17 was one of his finest ­moments. And, of course, he ­retired Kevin Rudd.”

Former prime minister John Howard echoed Mr Morrison’s sentiments: “A political leader needs many skills if he is to achieve a lasting impact, he needs to win. And Tony was a great politic­al winner.’’

Mr Abbott, 62, said he did not see his departure from Parliament House as an ending, but a new ­beginning. “My life be it short or long will always be dedicated to your service,” he said.

He took full responsibility for his electoral loss in May, saying “it wasn’t the campaign, it was the campaigner”.

Peter Dutton, Bronwyn Bishop and Craig Kelly. Picture: AAP

Mr Abbott reserved special tribute to his wife’s ­resounding strength. “She will get through this, she is one tough woman,’’ he said.

Ms Forster said she and her brother had “well-documented differences … but I’ve always been public about how much I respect and admire him.

“He’s a man of great principle and he’s always displayed that.”

Along with former colleagues, such as Josh Frydenberg, Peter Dutton and Eric Abetz, there was a swath of high-file public figures, including barrister Margaret Cunneen SC, Australian Chamber of Commerce chief Paul Nicolau­ and Mr Abbott’s former chief of staff turned Sky News host Peta Credlin.

Alan Jones. Picture: Richard Dobson

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who attended with former­ premier Nick Greiner, described Mr Abbott as a stalwart of the party and its ideals.

“His commitment to Liberal values­ — freedom, the indiv­idual and economic respons­ibility — is a hallmark of his time in public­ life,’’ she said.

The evening culminated with Jones bestowing the former prime minister with lifetime membership of the Liberal Party. Jones commended Mr ­Abbott on the dignity and ­decorum he had shown since ­losing his final election.

“Tony Abbott has a heart like everyone else and he has been deeply wounded by condemn­ation and vilification no one of his ability should ever have to ­endure … by people who should know better,” he said.