Ted O’Brien breaks silence after LNP bloodbath, tight Fairfax race

A Qld MP at the heart of the LNP’s unpopular energy plan has broken his silence after his party’s historically bad performance.

LNP Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien has released his first public statement after Saturday’s historic election, which saw a Labor landslide. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Fairfax LNP MP Ted O’Brien, the shadow minister with the job of pushing the Coalition’s controversial nuclear energy plan, has broken his silence in the wake of his party’s historic defeat in Saturday’s federal election.

Mr O’Brien said it was time for him, and his party in general, to “listen” to voters in the wake of the Coalition’s historically bad performance, and he would achieve that with a “road trip”.

“Popping up a marquee in local suburbs and operating a mobile office provides additional access for community members who’d prefer to meet in their neighbourhood rather than in my office,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“Each road trip has a primary purpose beyond assisting residents with their issues, and this one is an opportunity to reflect on the election results and receive feedback from local residents.

“My road trips are about listening first, and this one is really important in light of the federal election where support for the LNP went backwards. I’m really keen to hear feedback on how we can do better.”

Incumbent LNP Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien talks to media on federal election day, May 3, 2025.

Mr O’Brien, who held the seat of Fairfax despite a five per cent swing against him, released a statement on Thursday outlining his plans after the “likely result” in his seat.

“My message to local residence is simple: thank you for entrusting me to continue to serve our community,” he said.

“I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers and supporters who swung in behind my campaign – it was a mammoth team effort – and pay tribute to all other candidates and their supporters for a hard-fought contest.”

Mr O’Brien will visit Coolum, Brightwater, Maroochydore and Nambour as part of the road trip, beginning later this month.

“My pledge is to continue delivering tangible outcomes for our region and to represent all residents of Fairfax, as well as the thousands of small businesses that power our local economy,” he said.

“But I’d also value feedback from locals about how my party and I can do better.”

Mr O’Brien is still yet to address criticisms of the LNP’s nuclear plan which is seen as one of the main catalysts behind the historic loss.

Originally published as Ted O’Brien breaks silence after LNP bloodbath, tight Fairfax race