Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg drew a crowd of more than 600 guests to the Malvern Town Hall on Wednesday evening for the Melbourne launch of his memoir A Grateful Son, delivering laughs, pointed political commentary and just enough ambiguity to keep speculation about a political comeback very much alive.
The invitation-only event brought together a who's who of Liberal Party figures, business leaders and sporting identities, cementing the book's launch as one of the more significant social and political gatherings on Melbourne's calendar this year.
A Room Full of Liberal Heavyweights
Among the notable attendees were former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett and Liberal powerbroker Michael Kroger, who made the trip despite having already attended the Sydney launch of the book on Tuesday. Victorian Liberal identities including David Southwick, Georgie Crozier, Brad Rowswell, Michael O'Brien and Rachel Westaway were also present, along with former federal ministers Michael Wooldridge and Alan Tudge and former Liberal senator Helen Kroger.
Business figures in the room included entrepreneur Ruslan Kogan and his wife Anastasia, longtime business identity Hugh Morgan, Transurban chief Michelle Jablko, Chemist Warehouse boss Mario Tascone and former Geelong Football Club chief executive Brian Cook. FightMND's Bec Daniher attended with her four-month-old son Ted. Frydenberg's wife Amie and children Gemma and Blake were also in attendance alongside extended family members.
MC Gerard Healy Sets the Tone
Former Melbourne Demons great Gerard Healy served as master of ceremonies and opened the evening by expressing his deep respect for Frydenberg. He drew laughs early, describing the launch as "bigger than a Brownlow Medal, with a bit less alcohol, but a hell of a lot more clothing."
Healy also took a swipe at teal independent Monique Ryan, who defeated Frydenberg in the seat of Kooyong at the 2022 federal election. Joking that the book's cover posters had been "nailed down in case Monique Ryan's husband might be in the area," Healy drew a strong response from the crowd. The reference pointed to Ryan's husband Peter Jordan, who apologised in 2025 after being filmed removing a campaign sign belonging to Liberal candidate for Kooyong Amelia Hamer during last year's federal election.
Healy also gave shout-outs from the stage to Olympic champion turned fund manager Grant Hackett, motorsport identity Mark Skaife and former Carlton player Ken Sheldon. Former Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott also addressed the gathering.
The Comeback Question Hangs in the Air
The evening's most anticipated moment came when 3AW breakfast host Russel Howcroft, who interviewed Frydenberg on stage, asked directly whether a return to federal politics was on the cards.
Frydenberg did not rule it out. "I have not made any decisions about a foray into politics," he said, adding that "we have a kitchen cabinet at home, and it is currently split." The book itself is being viewed by some observers as a deliberate testing of the waters ahead of a potential political comeback, though Frydenberg gave nothing more definitive away on the night.
Sharp Words for Daniel Andrews
Frydenberg was considerably less restrained when the subject of former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews came up. "Dan Andrews is a bad guy, that's all you need to know," he said bluntly.
He also made clear his hopes for the upcoming Victorian state election, expressing confidence that Jess Wilson would become premier and David Southwick deputy premier. Wilson was not at the event, having had a prior commitment.
The launch opened with guests standing for a rendition of the national anthem, with the political undertones of the evening ensuring that Josh Frydenberg's next chapter, whether in public life or not, will be closely watched.
