Sussan Ley, leader of the Liberal Party, confronted significant challenges at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Brisbane, where her presence was noticeably overshadowed. Despite the event’s focus on conservative unity, Ley’s name was seldom mentioned, reflecting the internal struggles within the party. As the two-day conference unfolded, the prevailing message from numerous right-wing speakers was a plea for party cohesion, particularly in light of the rising influence of further-right factions like One Nation.
A key theme throughout the conference was the urgency for conservatives to rally around the Coalition, particularly after the party’s underwhelming performance in the May 2023 elections. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott openly urged party members to reconsider the idea of splintering off into new factions, echoing the sentiments of other speakers who warned against the fragmentation of conservative voters. The gathering underscored a critical juncture for Ley and her leadership, as her party grapples with maintaining its base amid a shifting political landscape.
Ley’s struggle was evident as prominent figures like Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Matt Canavan focused their remarks on reforming the party rather than supporting her leadership directly. Price, who was recently removed from Ley’s shadow ministry, called for grassroots involvement to shape the party’s future. This lack of unified support highlights the challenges Ley faces in solidifying her position and appealing to a broader electorate.
Challenges for the Coalition
The Coalition’s internal dynamics have become increasingly complex, with senior voices expressing concern over the loss of support to moderate independent candidates and to One Nation. Recent polling revealed that the Coalition’s primary vote had plummeted to just 27%, while One Nation’s support had climbed to 10%. These statistics are alarming for a party that is already reeling from a diminished presence in the House of Representatives, now holding only 43 seats.
Amid these challenges, the conference served as a platform for various factions within the Coalition to voice their opinions on the party’s future. While some members called for a return to more conservative values, others expressed frustration at the leadership’s attempts to appeal to a broader audience. The divide between those advocating for a hard-right approach and those supporting a more moderate stance has created tension within the party.
Future Direction of the Liberal Party
The future of the Liberal Party remains uncertain, as voices from CPAC indicated a desire for a shift towards more conservative policies, including opposition to climate change initiatives and a reaffirmation of Australia’s “Judeo-Christian” heritage. Speakers emphasized the need for the Coalition to adopt a more assertive stance on migration and economic policies.
Ley’s leadership is also being tested by criticisms of her approach, with some attendees at the conference expressing dissatisfaction with her strategies. Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien, representing Ley’s more moderate position, faced heckling as he defended the party’s values, indicating a growing impatience among the party faithful for decisive action and direction.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the Coalition’s identity and strategy suggests that Ley must navigate a delicate path. With significant pressure from both the right and the moderate wings of the party, her ability to unify the diverse factions will be crucial in the lead-up to future elections.
As the conference concluded, the overriding sentiment was clear: the Liberal Party is at a crossroads. The need for a cohesive strategy that appeals to both traditional conservatives and a broader electorate is essential if the Coalition hopes to regain its footing in Australian politics.
