Former Prime Minister John Howard has used a farewell dinner to urge the Coalition to claw its way back into power, as quickly as possible.
Around 1,000 people have come out to formally mark the occasion, including Liberal colleagues Brendan Nelson, Malcolm Turnbull and Barry O’Farrell.
During his address, Mr Howard has given his support for Doctor Nelson but has told the party it needs to work together to get out of opposition.
“To those of you who may be feeling a little despondent about the fact that we are in opposition, rage against opposition, work as hard as you can to get out of opposition as soon as you can.”
Doctor Nelson made a number of speeches praising Mr Howard’s work, saying he was a man who transformed the nation.
“This country is a different country today, a more prosperous country, one that is more confident in itself and its place in the world because of what John Howard did as the Prime Minister of Australia over almost 12 years.”