Federal Coalition leader Peter Dutton a no-show at Tasmanian Liberal council meeting

Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton has ghosted Tasmanian Liberal members, skipping out on the party’s state council, despite visiting in the days prior.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: Simon McGuire

Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton has been a no-show at today’s state Liberal council in Launceston, despite visiting Tasmania in the days leading up to the event.

The annual meeting of the Tasmanian Liberals, where more than 200 delegates vote on policies and key leadership positions, typically features keynote speeches from both the state and federal leaders of the party.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff addresses the annual state Liberal council held at the Country Club Tasmania in Launceston on Saturday. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

However, in an unusual move that is sure to invite scrutiny from his political opponents, Mr Dutton has skipped this year’s event.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Picture: Simon McGuire

He did however, attend a party function on Friday night and was in the state’s North-West on Friday afternoon to meet with salmon industry workers.

Despite his absence, Premier Jeremy Rockliff praised the leader in his keynote speech, saying he hopes Mr Dutton is elected as Prime Minister of Australia “in the not-too-distant future”.

“In Peter, we have a strong and passionate leader of Liberal values,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We have a man of principle, with the desire and ability to take our nation into a better future. Australians know where Peter stands, and what he stands for.”