Senator Jonno Duniam says ‘mainland decision makers’ did not understand Tasmanian issues

The Liberal Party no longer has any Tasmanians in the House of Representatives. Tasmania’s most senior federal Liberal left standing casts his election verdict.

Liberal senator Jonno Duniam with Liberal candidate for Clark Marilena Di Florio in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmania’s most senior federal Liberal has accused “mainland decision makers” of being responsible for the party’s devastating election loss.

In an email sent to Liberal Party members titled ‘Rebuilding starts now’, Senator Jonno Duniam is critical of the party’s national campaign.

He said the Australian people had “delivered their verdict on our party”.

“Unfortunately, we failed to convince Australia that our party, our policies and our plans were the ones for them,” Senator Duniam wrote.

“Frankly, the national campaign lacked many of the basic elements we needed to have a successful tilt at winning government and taking the nation in the right direction.”

In the email, he said he was pleased to campaign with the five House of Representative candidates – none of who were successful – and together with the Senate candidates they “have done our party proud”.

“Despite our candidates’ excellent work and the amazing support shown by you, our volunteer army, we could not swim against the electoral tide.

“While we must accept this loss, I will make it clear that our hardworking candidates and our state were badly let down by the national effort and mainland decision-makers who did not understand Tasmanian issues and what was needed to effectively campaign here.

“Locally, there will always be room for improvement and we must always work harder to win back the confidence of our fellow Tasmanians.”

Candidate Marilena Di Florio with Senator Jonno Duniam. Liberal senator Jonno Duniam with Liberal candidate for Clark Marilena Di Florio in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Senator Duniam paid tribute to the party’s candidates, Mal Hingston, Susie Bower, Bridget Archer, Marilena di Florio, Josh Garvin, Claire Chandler, Richard Colbeck and Jacki Martin.

“The Liberal family should be very proud of those we chose to represent us at this election.

“For Susie who has twice taken the fight up to Labor in Lyons - thank you for the incredible commitment over many years.

“And for Bridget Archer who so valiantly fought to defy the odds in Bass - I am sorry we were not able to get you across the line.

“I conclude by thanking each of you who were able to help us fight the fight and support the campaign. Without you, nothing would have been possible.

“The task of rebuilding our party to hold this Labor government to account starts today - I look forward to working with you to strengthen our great party.”

Senator Duniam, who was not up for re-election, is the party’s shadow minister for the environment, fisheries and forestry and manager of Opposition business in the Senate.