Opposition Leader Angus Taylor is set to announce a revamped front bench, indicating a decisive shift to the right for the Liberal Party. This change comes after Taylor removed the party’s first female leader, Sussan Ley, following a turbulent period of internal conflict. The new leadership aims to focus on pressing issues such as immigration, which Taylor has signaled will be a cornerstone of his strategy.
In the wake of Ley’s departure, Taylor has emphasized the importance of a renewed focus on conservative values. He is expected to reintroduce prominent members, including exiled conservatives Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who have previously faced challenges due to their stances on immigration. “They’re magnificent members of our team,” Taylor remarked on Sunday, highlighting their potential contributions to his leadership.
Taylor has revealed plans for a stricter immigration policy, citing concerns over the current migrant intake levels under the Labor government. He stated, “The (migration) numbers under Labor have been just extraordinary—way beyond what this country can absorb.” He aims to reduce the number of migrants and implement tighter screening processes, arguing that existing standards have been insufficient. He plans to unveil a comprehensive immigration policy “in the coming days.”
As Taylor prepares to lead the party, he has also addressed the challenge posed by One Nation, an anti-immigration party that has gained traction among voters. Polling data from Nine newspapers indicates that the Labor Party currently holds 32 percent of the primary vote, while both One Nation and the coalition are tied at 23 percent. This survey, conducted between February 8 and February 10, 2024, shows a slight lead for Taylor’s coalition over Ley’s leadership.
Former senior immigration official Abul Rizvi suggests that Taylor’s tough stance on immigration may be a direct response to One Nation’s rising popularity. “He reads the polls as closely as anybody,” Rizvi commented to the Australian Associated Press. He also noted that stringent character requirements for migrants have long been in place and have only become more stringent following the introduction of anti-hate crime laws after the Bondi terror attack.
Additionally, Rizvi pointed out that while Taylor’s government initially introduced measures to facilitate student and working holiday visas, the current Labor administration has since reversed those policies. This has contributed to a significant increase in migration to Australia during the 2022-2023 period.
Beyond immigration, Taylor and deputy leader Jane Hume have committed to tackling economic issues, including a promise of lower taxes and a renewed focus on housing affordability. Hume has expressed the need for Australia to be “open-minded” regarding nuclear energy as a potential solution for reducing emissions and making power more affordable.
As the Liberal Party charts its course under Angus Taylor’s leadership, the shift to a more conservative stance marks a significant moment in Australian politics, reflecting both internal party dynamics and external electoral pressures.
