Welcome to our last e-newsletter for the year:

The election result and a new Shadow Ministry
Non-perishable food drive for the homeless
Positions for electorate officers and economic advisers

The Election

The electionis now nearly two weeks past and almost all the results are in. The Labor Party has secured a majority in the House of Representatives and Mr Rudd is now Prime Minister. The Liberal Party has met and elected Brendan Nelson as the leader of the opposition and Julie Bishop as his deputy. Dr Nelson asked me to serve as his Shadow Treasurer and I have, of course, agreed to do so.

To see the full Shadow Ministry click here  

The election result was a disappointment for the Liberal Party and our supporters. Not only did a number of our colleagues lose their seats - none more distinguished than John Howard himself - but it leaves us now in opposition in every Parliament in Australia. 

But in adversity there is also an opportunity for renewal and I am confident with commitment, energy and a preparedness to embrace new policies we will be able to return to Government in 2010 with a positive and innovative policy agenda. 

Here in Wentworth we secured a great result against the trend. While there was (as of close of counting last night) a -5.6% national and -5.98% NSW swing against the Coalition on a two party preferred basis, we have been able to achieve a swing to us in Wentworth of +1.09% as of last night. This swing against the trend is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of hundreds of Liberal supporters here in Wentworth who worked hard on our campaign over the course of this year. For the latest election results in Wentworth and around Australia click here

Remembering the Homeless

Right now the Jewish community is celebrating Chanukah, the festival of  lights, and in a few weeks Christians will celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ.

These festivals are always opportunities for families to get together and to share warmth and love. But not all of our community have homes or families or friends, and we should not forget them.

Each year at this time we invite our community to contribute items of non-perishable food which we distribute to Norman Andrews House in Bondi and Cana Communities in Darlinghurst, each of whom care for homeless and disadvantaged people for whom a Christmas hamper makes an enormous difference.

So this year could I ask you, if it is convenient to you, to drop any gifts of non-perishable food to our electorate office Level 1, 5a Bronte Road, Bondi Junction (between Spring and Ebley Streets, opposite Westfield and next to Easts). We will then distribute the food contributed to Norman Andrews House and Cana Communities.

Positions vacant

In order to help me with my work as Shadow Treasurer, I am proposing to engage several advisers with experience in economic policy. We are also seeking to fill two positions in our Electorate Office. Details are on my website http://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/

I wish you, your family and loved ones season's greetings and all the best for 2008.

Yours sincerely,

Malcolm Turnbull