Josh Frydenberg maps out rival Liberal policy for comeback bid
New autobiography outlines policy positions that diverge sharply from current Liberal leadership under Angus Taylor.
Josh Frydenberg, the former federal treasurer and deputy Liberal leader, has released a book outlining a different path for the party. A Grateful Son rejects the regional-only strategy pursued by former leader Peter Dutton and largely continued by current leader Angus Taylor.
Frydenberg is unrepentant about the massive COVID spending and JobKeeper program. Frydenberg acknowledges his good fortune in having Steven Kennedy as treasury secretary during the crisis.
By contrast, Taylor has since apologised for "spending too much". The book stakes out positions on tax reform, the GST, disability funding, climate action and refugees.
Frydenberg says early 2027 is when he and his family will decide whether to seek preselection for his old seat of Kooyong, held by teal independent Monique Ryan. He compares himself to John Howard and Robert Menzies, both of whom returned to party leadership after losing it, and both of whom "came back stronger".
- Monique Ryan, teal independent
- Lost seat to
- Early 2027
- Decision timing
- Steven Kennedy during COVID crisis
- Treasury secretary
Why it mattersShows a deepening split within the Liberal Party over how to recover federal power and what policies it should offer.
AustraliaCould shape the Liberal Party's direction and electoral strategy for the next federal election, particularly in suburban and metropolitan seats.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
