South Australian Senator confirmed his defection to the Prime Minister and the Senate. Bernardi will form his own political party because the "political class" is "out of touch" with the hopes and aspirations of the Australian people...
After days of speculation the South Australian confirmed his defection to the Senate, from the party he'd been a member of his entire adult life.
"This morning I resigned as a member of the Liberal Party," Senator Bernardi said. "This has been a very difficult decision for me. Perhaps the most difficult one of my political life. I stand here today, both reluctant and relieved."
Senator Bernardi said politics was failing the Australian people and a better way was needed.
"The political class is out of touch" he said.
Bernardi had warned for many years of the consequences of ignoring voters.
"The level of public disenchantment with the major parties, the lack of confidence in our political process and the concern about the direction of our nation is very, very strong."
"We will be united by the desire to create stronger families," he said of his new Australian Conservatives party.
"To limit the size and scope and reach of government while seeking to rebuild confidence in civil society."
It would give hope to those who despaired at the state of Australian politics, he said, acknowledging the journey ahead would not be for the faint-hearted.
Attorney-General George Brandis said the government was "disappointed" by the senator's decision.
"We believe that he has done the wrong thing," he told the chamber. "Only seven months ago, Senator Bernardi was elected by the people of South Australia to serve in the Senate as a Liberal senator."
