Angus Taylor quits Opposition front bench

Angus Taylor, the federal Liberal MP Hume  tonight has quit the Opposition front bench.

In a statement Mr Taylor, who was the shadow spokesperson for defense, said he advised the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, he could no longer support her leadership of the Federal Liberal Party.

“Since last May, I have worked hard as a member of the leadership group and the Shadow Cabinet to help our team regroup and rebuild after the federal election.

“I have supported the leader and done everything I can to assist her in restoring the Party’s standing with the Australian people.

“Despite these efforts, the Liberal Party’s position under Sussan Ley’s leadership has continued to deteriorate, leaving it weaker than at any time since its formation in 1944.

“This is a confronting reality, but one we cannot ignore.”

Mr Taylor said he would like to see confidence in the Liberal Party restored “by demonstrating strong leadership, clear direction, and the competence and conviction to courageously fight…”

He said the decision to resign was not taken lightly.

“I remain committed to the Liberal Party, which has provided me the honour and privilege of serving it.

“In the period ahead, I will be consulting closely with colleagues about the future of our Party, so it can once again be the party that Australians expect and deserve.”

Health advocate honoured

David Blakeley of Wilton has been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for his service to community health through the Cancer Patients Foundation.

Mr Blakeley was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his long-standing contributions. He served as a board member of the foundation from the 1990sto 2004 and was chairman from 2004 to 2021.

In addition, Mr Blakeley chaired the Look Good, Feel Better program from 2004 to 2021, supporting cancer patients in improving their confidence and wellbeing during treatment.

Service to St John Ambulance

Gregory Biddle from Gilead believes his father may have set the wheels in motion for him to receive an Order of Australia (OAM).

Mr Biddle, 76, has served the greater Macarthur, Sydney, and North West Sydney regions and has been recognised for his service to the community through St John Ambulance New South Wales.

His father, who received an OAM in 2018, once said, “My son has done three times what I have done.”

Reflecting on that, Mr Biddle said, “I think my father nominated me; sadly, he won’t get to see me receive it.”

Mr Biddle senior passed away in November 2025 at over 99 years of age.

“It is an honour to be recognised,” Greg Biddle said.

“I have been involved with St John’s Ambulance for 60 years and eight months.”

He retired in 2020 with the highest honour – Officer of the Most Venerable Order of St John – and also received a Service Medal in Gold and 1 Bar, St John Ambulance Australia, 2020. Over his long career, he was recognised for his contributions at all levels and was also awarded the Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with two clasps.

As a teenager, Mr Biddle wanted to join the “ambos,” and St John Ambulance Cadets was the perfect entry point.

His career flourished, particularly in mentoring cadets. He revived the then Campbelltown Cadet Division, later renamed Macarthur Cadet Division in the late 1980s. It grew under his leadership from four members and less than $100 in the bank to 50 young people with a healthy savings account.

He went on to hold numerous executive roles, including Area Manager Sydney South East NSW and Deputy Assistant Commissioner-Metro (2000-2019). Among his memorable experiences was assisting during a major Queensland flood, for which he received the Floods and Disaster Citation.

The father of three, who has been married twice and is now a widower, moved to Campbelltown in 2011 and more recently to Gilead. He is also an Honorary Life Member of St John Ambulance Australia and a Justice of the Peace.

OAM recipient, Greg Biddel, with some of his medals from St John Ambulance NSW.