Chris Kenny claims Liberals ‘too focused on talking about themselves' instead of addressing key issues, holding Albanese govt to account

Sky News AU

5 hours ago

Sky News host Chris Kenny has expressed his frustration over the Liberal Party's self-reflection exercise in the aftermath of this year's federal election, suggesting the party should turn its attention to the Albanese government and issues facing the country.
Opposition Leader Sussan used part of her first speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday to comment on the Liberal's landslide loss to Labor in May and announce a 'broad ranging' review into the party.
'Let's be honest and upfront about last month's selection. We didn't just lose. We got smashed. Totally smashed,' Ley said in her address.
The shadow ministry then held a meeting in Canberra on Thursday, which Ms Ley had earlier said would be the Coalition's first formal opportunity to discuss the May election.
In the wake of the Opposition Leader's speech, Kenny has claimed that so far under Ley's tenure, the Liberals have been 'too focused on talking about themselves'.
'Enough of that. It's time to focus on the issues and the government, and given the historic events unfolding in foreign affairs in the Middle East and with the US alliance, the Coalition has been way too far out of the picture,' Kenny said on Thursday evening.
The Sky News host labelled the Albanese government 'woeful' in its handling of recent world events, which he said Coalition should have been more critical of.
'Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong have failed to take a strong stand against antisemitism at home. They've failed to support Israel. They failed to condemn Iran. They have failed even to offer diplomatic support for our alliance partner, the United States,' Kenny said.
'Given this situation, the opposition should be all over them on these issues, criticising the government and offering the sensible alternative.
'But the shadow foreign affairs minister, Michaelia Cash, has been almost invisible and Ley herself has been wishy-washy as she was today.'
Ms Ley on Thursday claimed the Coalition had put pressure on the government to 'engage more seriously' with the United States and to provide 'clarity and leadership' on its stance towards Iran's nuclear program.
Kenny questioned the remarks, insisting the Coalition should rather be 'demanding' the government rethink its stance on key issues.
'Take a stand,' Kenny urged.
'I mean that's why the Coalition failed at the election. No one can remember them taking a clear stand on anything.'