Tony Abbott Calls for Unity as Liberals Face Election Challenges
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has urged conservative voters to give the Liberal party “one last chance” to regain their trust following a disappointing performance in the 2025 elections. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Brisbane, Abbott was joined by prominent figures from the Coalition, all of whom stressed the importance of not abandoning the Liberal party in favor of smaller right-wing factions.
Abbott’s keynote address emphasized the need for the Liberal party to improve both its opposition tactics and governance. 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 plea for a fresh opportunity to demonstrate the party’s commitment to its constituents, saying, “I hope that you will give us one last chance to prove ourselves worthy of your trust.”
At the conference, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, recently removed from the shadow frontbench, also appealed to attendees to remain loyal to the Liberal party. She advocated for a shift away from the party’s net-zero climate target, which she characterized as detrimental, drawing cheers from the audience. Price described the May election defeat as “a Coalition failure,” arguing that the party had lost its confidence in presenting distinct policies compared to the Labor party.
Abbott acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding the emergence of alternative conservative parties, referencing Nigel Farage’s Reform party in the UK, which has gained traction against traditional conservative values. He stressed, “What we need right now in Australia is not a reform party, but a reformed party. A reformed Liberal party.”
Audience reactions during Abbott’s speech indicated a strong support for Pauline Hanson and her party, One Nation. Hanson is scheduled to address the conference on Sunday, alongside other conservative politicians such as Alex Antic, Matt Canavan, and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Concerns about the Coalition’s dwindling support were also evident, with a recent Newspoll indicating a primary vote of just 27% for the Coalition, the lowest level recorded, while One Nation had risen to 10%. This decline in support has prompted calls for significant changes within the Coalition, with several speakers echoing the need for unity.
Price encouraged her colleagues to contribute to reshaping the Liberal party, urging a return to its roots as a robust centre-right entity. She declared, “We need to return to being a strong centre-right party – in conviction, in policy, and in practice.”
Abbott also criticized the Labor government’s recent climate announcement, which aims for a 62-70% reduction in emissions by 2035, suggesting it could have severe political repercussions for the current administration.
The conference highlighted a growing recognition among Coalition members that internal conflicts must be resolved to regain political strength. Warren Mundine, the chair of CPAC, emphasized the necessity for conservatives to collaborate for future electoral success. He stated, “We’ve got a battle; we get the conservative side of politics back together, and this is the beginning of it.”
While addressing the crowd, Deputy Liberal Leader Ted O’Brien faced interruptions, with some attendees demanding action against the current government. His remarks about the Albanese government being “the worst since Whitlam” were met with skepticism, illustrating the growing impatience within the party ranks.
Senator Bridget McKenzie, the shadow transport minister, echoed sentiments of unity, insisting that the conservative faction must cease internal squabbles and adopt a more disciplined strategy if they hope to regain voter support.
The CPAC conference not only served as a platform for the Liberal party to address its challenges but also highlighted the urgent need for a cohesive strategy moving forward. As the Coalition navigates a politically turbulent landscape, the call for reform and unity resonates strongly among its members and supporters alike.
