Addressing Liberal Party faithful in Sydney on Saturday, Taylor conceded the previous Coalition government had shortcomings but argued Labor was 'utterly failing the nation'.
'For the past four years, we've had a government in Canberra which is socialist in all but name,' Taylor said. 'I will deliver one of the biggest cuts to immigration in Australian history.' He vowed to end what he called 'this lunacy' and declared: 'We will not allow the ideologues and activists to deny the truth.'
Taylor's remarks come six months out from the New South Wales election and aim to rally the party base around a strong migration stance.
In separate developments, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll led tributes for Greens MP Tim Read, who represented Brunswick. Carroll said in a statement that Read was 'a man of principle and compassion who had dedicated his life to being a voice for Brunswick.'
'I always valued his intelligent and humane contributions to the public debate. I always respected his convictions and his determination to make life better for others,' Carroll said. Another tribute described Read as 'a man of conviction and a thoroughly decent person' who 'brought sincerity, compassion and a strong sense of public duty to his work.' Read was noted for his outspoken support for the Palestinian cause and his reminders about coal burning in Victoria. The tribute concluded: 'Vale our brilliant friend. We will miss you.'