Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott urged conservatives to give the Liberal Party “one last chance” during his keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Brisbane. This call comes in the wake of the party’s disappointing performance in the 2025 election, where it faced significant losses to minor right-wing parties. Abbott joined a number of high-profile Coalition figures at the conference, appealing to voters to remain loyal to the Liberal Party rather than seeking alternatives.
In a passionate speech, Abbott emphasized the need for the party to improve its standing, stating, “We must be a better opposition this time than last time, and we must be a better government next time than last time.” He added, “I hope that you will give us one last chance to prove ourselves worthy of your trust,” reinforcing his request for renewed support from constituents.
Calls for Reform and a Return to Core Principles
The conference featured Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who recently lost her position on the shadow frontbench, advocating for a return to the party’s foundational beliefs. She encouraged attendees to reject the net zero climate target established by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, sparking cheers from the audience. Price labeled the target “communism,” calling for a shift back to strong centre-right policies that differentiate the party from Labor.
Abbott also weighed in on the internal challenges facing the party, calling for “reform” to diminish the power of “factional warlords.” His remarks were partly a response to discussions regarding the potential rise of alternative conservative parties in Australia. He referenced Nigel Farage‘s Reform Party in the UK, suggesting that while such a movement could emerge, the immediate need is for a “reformed Liberal Party.”
The sentiments of Abbott and Price echoed throughout the conference as speakers addressed the need for unity. Price noted that the Coalition’s recent electoral defeat was a “Coalition failure,” attributing it to a loss of resolve in promoting distinct policies. She reiterated the necessity for the Liberal Party to return to solid convictions and effective governance.
Election Strategy and Future Directions
Concerns about the party’s declining popularity were underscored by a recent Newspoll, revealing that the Coalition’s primary vote has plummeted to an all-time low of 27%, while One Nation’s support has surged to 10%. This decline raises fears among Coalition members about losing ground to both moderate independents and more extreme right-wing parties.
“We need to return to being a strong centre-right party – in conviction, in policy, and in practice,”
Price declared. She further urged her colleagues to reconsider their stance on climate commitments, asserting that the Liberal Party must push back against policies perceived as infringing on freedoms.
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, expressed her reservations about setting climate targets while in opposition but confirmed that the Coalition is reviewing its position on net zero. Ley’s comments highlight the internal debate within the party regarding its environmental policies and electoral strategy.
Warren Mundine, chair of CPAC, emphasized the importance of conservative unity. He stated, “We’ve got a battle; we need to bring all the conservative groups together.” His plea for cooperation was directed at ensuring a collective effort to regain support in future elections.
The conference also featured other notable speakers, including Alex Antic, Matt Canavan, and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss. During the event, Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien faced heckling from the audience, illustrating the tension and urgency within the party. O’Brien acknowledged the need for a significant rebuild of the Liberal Party to restore its relevance.
Senator Bridget McKenzie, shadow transport minister, addressed the internal strife within the centre-right political landscape, urging members to cease infighting. She highlighted the organized efforts of their political adversaries, calling for a unified front against the opposition.
As the conference concluded, the overarching sentiment was clear: the Liberal Party faces pressing challenges but must strive for unity and reform to regain its footing in Australian politics.
