Dutton meets with MPs following historic election loss
Peter Dutton's leadership of the Liberal Party appears secure as his deputy insists her ambition is to remain vice-captain.
But the party is still searching for ways to win back voters after consecutive election losses at a state and federal level.
Liberal senator Simon Birmingham wants his party to return to its values while also reflecting modern Australia to ensure it sends a compelling message to voters.
"Times have changed and the construct and demographics of society have changed," he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday.
"We should be a party that still stands for families but we should stand for all families regardless of their construct.
"We should still be a party of small business but we should use that as a tool to embrace migrant and multicultural communities who are so entrepreneurial in their nature."
Senator Birmingham said voter feedback suggested some viewed the party as intolerant, divisive and at times nasty.
"The equality of opportunity stands at the core of the Liberal belief in individual rights and individual opportunities," he said.
"(That) is something we hold out to everybody who is willing to make a contribution to society, regardless of their religious background, their sexual orientation, their migrant background or any other attributes they might hold."
He said debates on fringe issues such as transgender rights were counterproductive and acknowledged women did not see the party as representing their interests.
Mr Dutton is meeting with Liberal MPs in Canberra following a historic loss of the Aston electorate, the latest example of voters abandoning the party.
The party room is expected to discuss a position on the Indigenous voice proposal.
Deputy leader Sussan Ley said she was not seeking a leadership spill.
"I'm the vice-captain of the team and incredibly honoured to have been voted as deputy leader of my party," she told Sky News.
"My ambition is for Peter Dutton to become the next prime minister ... we have a lot of work to do."
Ms Ley said the Aston loss was disappointing but that MPs would learn from it and would work hard to gain back voters' trust.
