The Australian Young Liberal Movement has today welcomed the election of Tony Abbott as the Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party.

Rachel Fry, Federal Young Liberal President, said that Young Liberal Movement members were looking forward to getting behind the new Liberal Leader and Deputy Julie Bishop.

“Tony Abbott is a man of strong character and strong convictions,” Miss Fry said.

“For many years Tony Abbott has been a great supporter of the Young Liberals and we welcome his election as leader.

“Young Liberals are now totally focused on the next election and campaigning against the Rudd Government’s poor economic management, reckless spending and record debt,” concluded Miss Fry.

“The Young Liberal Movement also welcomes the clear decision by the Party Room to vote to refer the Emissions Trading Scheme to a Senate committee for further investigation,” added Michael van Dissel, Federal Vice President.

“There is no need to vote in favour of an ETS before the Copenhagen conference and before we know what action our major trading partners will take. We encourage all Liberal Senators to vote in favour of referring the legislation to a Senate Committee for further review,” said Mr van Dissel.