I recently advised the Federal President of the Liberal Party of my intention to stand down as Federal Director.
It has been an enormous honour to serve as Federal Director for close to nine years. But now is the right time to hand over to new organisational leadership and allow for a seamless transition ahead of the next federal election.
I have been supported by a wonderful team at the Federal Secretariat.
I thank all the 'Fed Sec' staff I have worked with for their dedication to our cause and to our country.
I also thank the dozens of 'CHQ' staff I have worked with through three tough federal election campaigns. I am incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they make, working night and day in the campaign trenches.
I pay tribute to Deputy Federal Director Simon Berger for his friendship, counsel and outstanding political skills. In my experience, the politicians who listen to 'Berg' are the ones who do well.
I also thank Josh Manuatu and Rebecca Barratt for their tireless work for our Party and in support of me.
I thank the Party Presidents I have had the privilege of working with, Nick Greiner and John Olsen. Nick and John are great Australians and wonderful servants of our Party.
I thank the Party Leaders I have worked with in this role - Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor.
I pay particular tribute to Scott Morrison who led our country through the most challenging of circumstances. History will judge Scott well.
I thank all the State Directors I have worked with over the last nine years. The professional staff of the Liberal Party are an incredibly important strategic asset. If the Party is to succeed, they must continue to be supported and invested in.
I thank Honorary Federal Treasurers Andrew Burnes and Charlie Taylor and the many members of Federal Executive who I've worked with.
I also thank the three Nationals' Federal Directors I have worked closely with during this time - Ben Hindmarsh, Jonathan Hawkes and Lincoln Folo.
I am grateful to the world class digital, data, advertising and research companies who have supported the Liberal Party over the last decade and want to record a particular note of thanks to the team at KWP led by David O'Loughlin and the late John Baker whose talent and friendship will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
I thank the tens of thousands of Liberal Party members and supporters who selflessly volunteer and support our cause. I look forward to continuing to join them to hand out for the Liberal Party on polling day for many years to come.
Despite setbacks that should not be minimised, much has been achieved over the last nine years - an election and by-election wins, a Federal Secretariat with no debt for the first time in three decades, a strong contribution to the referendum campaign, a sophisticated and resilient fundraising operation, a major digital transformation of Party platforms, the implementation of a first-class training programme for Liberal candidates and campaigners, and significantly strengthened international ties.
Our Party faces significant challenges that must be confronted with renewed energy and determination.
I have great confidence in the leadership of Angus Taylor and Jane Hume as the custodians of our Party, and I wish them and the parliamentary team well for the future.
I will conclude my time as Federal Director in June following the Party's next Federal Council. For the next five weeks I will be fully dedicated to the Farrer by-election campaign.
Quotes from Federal President the Hon John Olsen AO:
"I thank Andrew for his commitment, loyalty, professionalism and dedicated service to the Liberal Party, in particular, during his term as Federal Director.
Dealing with diverse and multiple stakeholders requires calm, clear thinking, and a strategic approach. All hallmarks of Andrew's significant service and contribution.
I wish him well and success in the next chapter of his career path."
