Andrew Hirst will quit as federal director of the Liberal Party following May’s Farrer byelection after nearly nine years in the role, marking the end of a tenure that spanned multiple election campaigns and leadership changes.
Hirst, who previously advised several Liberal leaders, including Tony Abbott during his time as prime minister, said he had informed the party’s federal president of his decision to step aside ahead of the next election.
He described the role as “an enormous honour” but added “now is the right time to hand over to new organisational leadership and allow for a seamless transition ahead of the next federal election”.
Hirst also paid tribute to leaders he served under, including Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor, saying history would “judge Scott well” for steering the country through difficult times.
He said despite setbacks, the party had delivered key organisational reforms, including eliminating debt, strengthening fundraising and modernising digital operations, but warned “significant challenges” remained that would require “renewed energy and determination”.
Federal president John Olsen thanked Hirst for his “commitment, loyalty, professionalism and dedicated service”, saying his tenure was marked by “calm, clear thinking” and a strategic approach, as Hirst confirmed he would formally conclude in June after the next federal council meeting.
