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Background and History:

Shortly after Federation in 1901, the two major non-Labor parties, the Protectionist Party and the Free Trade Party, merged in 1909 to form the Commonwealth Liberal Party.  Alfred Deakin and Joseph Cook led this first formal conservative-liberal alliance in opposition to Labor’s socialist policies.

World War I saw a new merger of the Liberal and pro-conscription Labor elements, resulting in the Nationalist Party, which was conservative on defence and national unity.  Then, during the Great Depression years, under Joseph Lyons, a former Labor Treasurer, the United Australia Party was created.  The UAP promoted fiscal conservatism, anti-socialism, and strong national defence.

With this background of conservative politics in Australia, UAP Prime Minister Robert Menzies established the Liberal Party of Australia in 1944, and it became the main force in conservative politics.

Menzies' vision was of a "forgotten people"—the middle class who were neither wealthy elites nor unionised workers. His policies emphasized:

  • Free enterprise
  • Traditional family values
  • British heritage and monarchy
  • Anti-communism

In parallel with the emergence of the modern Liberal Party, the Country Party was formed out of discontent among rural and farming communities who believed the major parties were neglecting regional interests.  Founded in 1920 as a federal political party, it was preceded by state-based movements representing agricultural constituencies. The party’s platform emphasised protection for farmers, tariff reform, rural infrastructure, and regional development.

From the 1920s to the 1940s, an alliance that developed into a coalition was formed between the UAP and the Country Party, which represented both urban and rural conservative interests.  The Coalition broke down in conjunction with the collapse of the UAP.  The Coalition was formally renewed for the 1949 election, with the Liberals under Menzies and the Country Party under Arthur Fadden.  The Coalition defeated Labor and began a long period of governance, lasting 23 continuous years (1949–1972). During the Whitlam Labor Government years (1972-1975), the Country Party rebranded to the National Country Party, then National Party.

From 1996 to 2007, John Howard shaped Australian conservatism through a combination of:

  • Economic liberalism (e.g., GST, industrial relations reforms)
  • Social conservatism (e.g., family policy, national identity)
  • Cultural nationalism (e.g., refusal to apologise to the ‘Stolen Generation’, promotion of Anzac traditions)
  • Border protection and anti-terrorism policies

Howard’s long tenure (1996–2007) marked the resurgence of conservative values amid globalisation and cultural change.  The Coalition thrived under John Howard (Liberal) and Tim Fischer / John Anderson (Nationals).

21st Century Challenges and Realignments:

Since the Howard years, conservative politics has faced new pressures:

  • Internal tensions between economic liberals and social conservatives.
  • Rise of minor parties (e.g., Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, Australian Conservatives, Katter's Australian Party) reflecting voter discontent with major parties.
  • Debates over religious freedom, especially after the legalisation of same-sex marriage (2017).
  • Climate policy, immigration, and identity politics have become divisive issues within the conservative movement.

In recent years, the Coalition has oscillated between more centrist and more conservative leaders (e.g., Malcolm Turnbull vs. Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison).

The Way Forward for Conservative Politics:

Conservatives are currently divided on whether to abandon the Liberal Party and, to a lesser extent, the National Party, or attempt to reclaim and reform them.

The decaying primary vote of the Liberal Party, coupled with increased support for minor conservative parties, is symptomatic of a growing discontent with the mainstream centre-right parties in Australia.

The UK may well be the sentinel for Australian conservative politics. The rise of the Reform UK Party under Nigel Farage’s leadership might indicate the need for a fresh start.  Farage has been the voice of sanity regarding British sovereignty and its withdrawal from the EU, and conservative politics.  He is a true leader who has displayed humility and a willingness to work with lesser leaders, such as Boris Johnson.  This kind of humility among the minor conservative leaders in Australian politics could give rise to a true leader and spark the kind of renewal required to grow a robust conservative movement in our country.