Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, urged conservatives to give the Liberal Party “one last chance” during his keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (Cpac) in Brisbane. His comments came in the wake of a disappointing performance in the 2025 federal election, where the party faced significant losses. Abbott was joined by various prominent Coalition figures as they implored voters not to shift their allegiance to right-wing minor parties.
In his speech, Abbott emphasized the need for the Liberal Party to improve as both an opposition and a potential government. He stated, “We must be a better opposition this time than last time, and we must be a better government next time than last time.” He reiterated his appeal for voters’ trust, saying, “I hope that you will give us one last chance to prove ourselves worthy of your trust.”
Calls for Reform and a Unified Conservative Front
Abbott’s remarks included a call for “reform” within the party, urging a reduction in the influence of what he termed “factional warlords.” This was in response to ongoing discussions in Australia about the possibility of a new conservative party emerging outside the traditional Liberal or National parties. He referenced the success of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party in the United Kingdom, which has garnered support over the established Conservative Party, stating, “What we need right now in Australia is not a reform party, but a reformed party. A reformed Liberal party.”
Echoing Abbott’s sentiments, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who was recently removed from the shadow frontbench, encouraged Cpac attendees to maintain their support for the Liberal Party. She called for a departure from a net zero climate target, a stance that received enthusiastic support from the audience. Price described the May election defeat as a “Coalition failure,” asserting that the party had lost its nerve to differentiate its policies from those of the Labor Party.
Price also criticized the climate target agreed upon by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, branding it as “communism.” She asserted, “It’s time the Liberals pushed back against this freedom-eroding nonsense.” Abbott supported this view, claiming that the recent announcement of a 62-70% reduction target by 2035 could serve as “this government’s political death warrant.”
Concerns Over Future Electoral Support
The Coalition remains apprehensive about losing support to both moderate “teal” independents and more right-wing parties like One Nation. A recent Newspoll indicated that the Coalition’s primary vote has plummeted to just 27%, its lowest recorded level, while One Nation has surged to 10%.
Warren Mundine, chair of Cpac and a candidate for Liberal pre-selection, highlighted the need for collaboration among conservative voters to reclaim electoral success. He remarked, “We’ve got a battle; we need to bring all the conservative groups together.” Mundine’s comments underscored the importance of unity in confronting the challenges posed by the current political landscape.
During the conference, Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien faced heckling from attendees as he criticized the Albanese government, which he described as “the worst since Whitlam.” Attendees challenged him with shouts of “what are you going to do about it?” indicating a growing impatience within the party’s base.
Senator Bridget McKenzie, shadow transport minister, echoed the need for unity among the center-right factions, stating that internal conflicts had hindered their effectiveness. She pointed out that opposing parties are well-organized and financially supported, which has contributed to their electoral successes.
As the Liberal Party grapples with its identity and future direction, the calls for reform and renewed focus on core conservative values resonate strongly within the party ranks. The upcoming period will be crucial for the Coalition as they seek to rebuild trust and support among their constituents ahead of future elections.
