Alexander Downer says Josh Frydenberg’s defeat in Kooyong is a ‘national mistake’ as he urges teals to come clean on policies

Former Liberal leader Alexander Downer says it’s a “national mistake” that Josh Frydenberg was ousted and it’s indicative of a country who think voting someone new in will change the weather.

Former Liberal leader and foreign minister Alexander Downer has claimed the Kooyong electorate got it wrong by voting out Josh Frydenberg.

Mr Frydenberg officially conceded his Melbourne seat to Climate 200-backed independent Dr Monique Ryan.

In a short video shared to social media on Monday, Mr Frydenberg said he had given the job his “all” every day and was “inspired” by the local people he had met over the years.

Stream more Australian news with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022.

“I’ve never known anyone to work harder as a local member and as a minister at the same time,” Mr Downer told Sky News Australia’s Chris Kenny.

“It’s beyond me why people in Kooyong would not have voted – well a majority of them – for somebody like Josh.”

Mr Downer said his defeat is a reflection on the country.

“It’s up to the public, if they want to vote out really wise, sensible, hard-working people because they think somebody else is going to come in and change the weather – honestly it’s a reflection on the country,” he said.

“I don’t always think the voters are right and in Kooyong I think they were profoundly wrong in voting out Josh Frydenberg.

“I think it is a huge national mistake.”

Dr Ryan’s victory comes amid a “teal wave” that flipped a number of traditionally Liberal seats – typically in affluent areas of Melbourne and Sydney.

Zoe Daniel claimed the neighbouring seat of Goldstein formerly held by Tim Wilson.

Allegra Spender defeated incumbent Dave Sharma in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and Dr Sophie Scamps defeated Jason Falinski in Mackellar on the Northern Beaches.

In North Sydney, Kylea Tink beat both Liberal Trent Zimmerman and Labor’s Catherine Renshaw.

As it currently stands, Kate Chaney appears to have defeated Liberal Celia Hammond in Perth’s wealthy Curtin electorate.

The newly elected candidates join fellow Climate-200 financed independent Zali Steggall on the now packed cross bench.

Mr Downer said the teals’ climate policies “sounded good” but they were unable to explain the costs associated.

“Australia must make a proportionate contribution to this global problem,” he said.

“There is no point in making a disproportionate contribution for no gain.

“There would be no net gain for the world if we were to do that.”