Latest news with #electionloss
ABC News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Decimated and divided Liberal Party insiders at odds over what went wrong and what they stand for
The Liberal Party room is deeply divided over its future direction, with a profound schism emerging between those who want the party to move to the "sensible centre" as articulated by new leader Sussan Ley, and others who believe moderates are hijacking the devastating election loss to suit their agenda. Four Corners has spoken to senior frontbenchers and key Liberal figures who believe the campaign was botched by campaign headquarters, with one frontbencher calling for heads to roll over the stuff ups. Rising conservative star Andrew Hastie, widely seen as a future leader of the party, has warned the Liberal Party's problems are so deep that without serious change, it may cease to exist. Several frontbenchers have revealed their policies were either dumped or buried, in what all describe as a confused and incoherent campaign. Mr Hastie told Four Corners he pushed to have his defence policy announced with details of where the new money being committed would be spent. "I just assumed that we were going to announce it in the first week or two and then it blew out to the week of Anzac Day," he said. He was left frustrated that a key Coalition strength was being squandered. "It became very difficult to talk about defence during the campaign without a policy," he said. Shadow minister Sarah Henderson said her education policy was "buried" by the campaign because it was obsessed with talking about the cost of living and steered away from values-based policies. "On Thursday night [before the election], the policy was uploaded onto the website … my media release was withdrawn and a lot of incredible hard work by my team and many others right across the Coalition, unfortunately, didn't see the light of day," she said. "This is a policy which spoke to our values. It was all about aspiring to be a top 10 education nation to ensure that every young Australian reached his or her best potential, supported by evidence-based teaching, underpinned by parental choice and a strong commitment to faith-based education as well." Senator Henderson said many of her colleagues were frustrated. "Too many taxation policies were not pushed forward … [there was a] housing policy delivered on the run, a defence policy looking like an afterthought," she said. "We failed in a number of different ways, but we lost sight of our values." Tasmanian frontbencher Jonno Duniam let rip at the party for relying on "fatally flawed" polling and not heeding his warnings that the campaign wasn't working. "Something went off the rails," he said. "It's like having a compass telling you to go in one direction. In fact, you know you should be going in another. And that's what we did. We made decisions based on bad polling." Senator Duniam believes bad advice from campaign headquarters was behind Peter Dutton's backdown on his work-from-home policy. "Our numbers started to fall off a cliff the day we backed down on that policy," he said. "Not because people loved the policy, but they were feeling that they were mistaken about our leader and whether or not he was a strong man and whether he could be prime minister." Senator Duniam suggested people in the professional wing of the Liberal Party should consider their positions. "We were frankly in a very competitive position at the start of 2025, and that completely evaporated," he said. Some are blaming the organisational wing of the party for not running a better negative advertising campaign against Anthony Albanese. Four Corners has learnt that Peter Dutton was so frustrated he raised in a mid-campaign meeting that he wanted advertisements commissioned that called Mr Albanese a liar. A source said it wasn't pursued because Liberal campaign headquarters believed it wouldn't be persuasive. Another source said it was highly unusual to have a candidate try to suggest campaign advertising. Others in the party believe they went into the campaign with a false sense of confidence. The Liberal Party's own pollster said they overestimated the number of so-called Labor "defectors" to the Coalition. They wrongly assumed those who voted No in the Voice referendum were more likely to favour the Coalition at the election. Mr Hastie said while the referendum had plenty of downsides for Mr Albanese, the upside was that people also saw he was prepared to "politically die for something". "People saw that he was prepared to go hard for an idea even if he was going to fail. And I think you can't quantify that, but people certainly, I think it reflected that people thought he had some convictions," he said. "He put a referendum, he lost and moved on. But at least people, I think in the end, saw that he was willing to follow through on it." Not all Liberals agree the campaign was the ultimate problem. Former Liberal minister George Brandis said the policies announced alienated Australians. "We alienated women. We offended public servants. We offended multicultural communities. We insulted people who live in the inner cities. It was almost as if we were running out of new people to offend," he said. "I think people who say that it was just because of a bad campaign, that we got the worst result we've ever got and ignore the orientation of the party and the image of itself that it projected to the community over some years, are kidding themselves." New Liberal leader Sussan Ley has committed to change, saying the party must "reflect modern Australia" and that government is formed "in the sensible centre". Senator Henderson rejected critiques that the party moved too far to the right and focused too much on so-called culture wars. "The answer is not to move to the centre, but to move forward as one united team … continuing to bring together classical Liberals and conservatives in our great party together with the Nationals," she said. "That is the best and most important way forward for our party." NSW Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic said the party must address deeper problems if it ever wants to win elections again. "If we focused on our economic credentials, if we focused on making Australia a better and more prosperous country returning and restoring living standards in a more meaningful way, then I think we would've connected with people." Four Corners explores the Liberal Party's existential crisis of what it stands for and who it represents. Watch tonight on ABC TV and ABC iview. Internally, a debate is brewing about nuclear power and whether the Liberals should stick with its promise of net zero emissions by 2050. Mr Hastie told Four Corners he wanted the party's commitment to net zero reconsidered. "I think the question of net zero, that's a straitjacket that I'm already getting out of," he said. "The real question is should Australian families and businesses be paying more for their electricity? And should we allow this sort of hypocrisy at the heart of our economy to continue whereby we sell coal and gas to India and China, and we deny it to our own people? That's the question that I think we need to answer." While Mr Hastie wants Australia's moratorium on nuclear lifted, Senator Kovacic said it was time for the party to dump the policy. "It was going to be hard enough as it was," Senator Kovacic said. "Even if we'd started on it on Monday, if we'd won the election, [it would have been] hard to deliver. Three years into the future, it's going to be even harder. "Most young Australians believe that climate change is real and we have to deliver energy policies that ensure that we reach our net zero targets and that we deliver stable power … that is as cheap as possible." Former Liberal MP Jason Falinski, who lost his seat of Mackellar in Sydney to teal independent Sophie Scamps at the 2022 election, said the party needs to stop viewing energy policy through a culture lens. "If we are talking about coal versus nuclear versus renewable versus whether it's even happening at all, then you are in a culture war scenario and our opponents love that issue," he said. The Liberals' split, and looming reunion, with the Nationals exposed the mistrust in the Coalition. The Nationals ended the partnership when Sussan Ley would not immediately commit to key policies. Senator Duniam called the Nationals' demands "contrived", telling Four Corners it was unrealistic to have policy decisions settled within weeks of an election. "The Nationals wanted to dictate to the Liberals what their policies should be. Now imagine if the tables were turned … I can't imagine my Nationals colleagues abiding by that and going quietly," he said. Nationals Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie denied the party had pushed Ms Ley into policy commitments. "We had every right to assume that the policies we took to an election only three weeks earlier remained Coalition policy," she said. Ms Ley's leadership may face another test soon. The first female leader of the Liberal Party won the leadership ballot by just four votes earlier this month, beating Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor. But three party room members nominally aligned with the moderate leader who took part in the vote will have left by next month. It has left some observers wondering whether the muddy majority leaves the door open for Ms Ley's authority to be undermined by conservatives eyeing the leadership. Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh said the party "can't let that happen". "I feel the sense of the party room getting behind her … but every female, I think stepping up as a first, does face unique challenges," she said. Ms McIntosh survived a pre-selection challenge during her last term, when Peter Dutton was forced to step in to protect her, then promote her to shadow cabinet. She says structural change is needed to protect women like her in the Liberal Party. "[Women] need to feel like part of something and they need to be protected. And that's gonna take time. And I think Sussan's, you know, she's our first female leader, but she understands this. So, she's a great leader to push these changes as well." New Deputy Leader Ted O'Brien said Ms Ley being the first female leader of the party was a point of pride, but it was "first and foremost because she's the right leader for the party". "I believe she'll lead with a united team," he said. Not everyone is as optimistic. Asked if the party had hit rock bottom, Jason Falinski laughed, "I think the answer is no". "There's further for us to go, but that's necessary. I think we've put off a lot of arguments for a long time and it's time to have it out." Watch Four Corners's Decimated, reported by Patricia Karvelas, tonight from 8:30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
National Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Poilievre set to speak to Conservative MPs before House of Commons opens
OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will welcome the new House of Commons session with a speech to his MPs on Sunday afternoon. Article content Article content The Conservatives are still reeling from an election loss to Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals, which was made all the more devastating because the Tories were leading by more than 20 percentage points at the beginning of the year. Article content Article content The party has yet to confirm if it will be doing an official review of the campaign to determine if lessons can be learned for the next election. Some MPs have said that they want to see changes and 'contrition' from the leader in the wake of the election loss. Article content Article content Last week, Poilievre announced that more than half of his MPs will serve in critic roles with the roster showcasing more experienced MPs than fresh faces. Article content With the House set to open for the first time in nearly six months, there have been hints of a change of tone from the Conservatives, who have offered to work with the government on issues relating to Canada-U.S. relations as the country endures a trade war with its southern neighbour. Article content The Conservative leader will soon be running in a byelection in Battle River—Crowfoot after losing his own Ottawa-area seat in the April election. Conservative MP Damien Kurek has pledged to step down as member of Parliament in the riding to allow Poilievre to run. Article content
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Decimated
They lost the inner-city seats and now the outer suburbs. Can the Liberal Party ever recover from its historic election loss? Behind closed doors a battle is raging for the heart and soul of the party. ABC presenter Patricia Karvelas talks to Liberal insiders as they grapple with the existential crisis of what the Liberal Party stands for and who it represents. Liberal Party powerbrokers talk to Four Corners candidly and honestly about the contest which will redefine Australian politics. With the Nationals walking away from the Coalition, the Liberals face the very real prospect that they may never govern again. The party of Menzies and Howard faces a reckoning: can they rebuild and win back middle Australia or face further losses? Four Corners charts the inside story of these monumental political shifts. Decimated, reported by Patricia Karvelas, produced by Alex McDonald and Joshua Martin goes to air on Monday 26 May at 8.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
The Guardian
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Morning Mail: Liberals in turmoil after Coalition split, Sydney commuter chaos, UK condemns ‘monstrous' Israel
Morning everyone. They say you should never let a good crisis go to waste, and the Liberals are now coming to terms with the breakup of the Coalition: will it provide the clear air they need to change tack after a crushing election loss? We have plenty of insight and analysis for you this morning on yesterday's shock political twist. Sydney commuters face challenges of their own this morning after yesterday's network meltdown, while overseas, Britain has described Israeli plans to 'purify Gaza' as 'repellent' – and Elon Musk says he will reduce his political donations. Commuting chaos | Sydney commuters face widespread disruption this morning as the city's train network recovers after a high-voltage wire fell on to the top of a train at Strathfield yesterday afternoon, trapping 300 passengers and paralysing much of the network. Coalition split | Senior Liberals warn the Nationals' decision to quit the Coalition could damage the Liberal party for years to come, while others welcome a chance to refocus on urban voters after a devastating election loss. We examine the policy issues that drove a wedge between the two parties and how Liberal leader Sussan Ley's unenviable position has just got worse after only a week in the job. Grindr robbery | Two Sydney men have been sentenced to more than six years for robbing five men they arranged to meet through the dating app Grindr. Time please | Free-to-air broadcasters want classification rules changed to allow an additional 800 hours of alcohol ads every year despite one in three children already being exposed to liquor commercials on television. 'Humpback highway' | Newborn humpback whales spotted in colder waters as far south as Tasmania have puzzled researchers, indicating that breeding and migration is more complex than thought. 'Repellent, monstrous' | Israel is still blocking food from reaching starving Palestinians, the UN has said, as the leader of the country's centre-left Democrats party said his country was becoming a pariah nation that 'kills babies as a hobby'. Britain has suspended negotiations over a new free trade deal, saying Israel's plans to 'purify Gaza' were repellent, monstrous and extremist. Russia sanctions | The UK and Europe have announced major sanctions against Russia as it became clear that Monday's call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had failed to deliver any meaningful concessions from Moscow. Mexico hit | The personal secretary and an adviser to Mexico City's mayor have been shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in a brazen attack in the city centre. Big deals | Keir Starmer has heralded a 'hat-trick' of trade deals with India, the US and the EU, telling MPs they will protect thousands of jobs and save businesses hundreds of millions of pounds. Musk reset | Elon Musk, who donated $300m to Donald Trump's election fight, says he plans to reduce the amount of money he spends on politics. Is it really over? What does the Nationals' split from the Coalition mean for Australian politics? Our chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks to Reged Ahmad about why the Nationals have left the Coalition and what it means for the new parliament. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ The gender pay gap at more than 100 commonwealth public sector employers including the ABC has been laid bare for the first time. Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows the national broadcaster pays men nearly 10% more than women, but the private sector gap (21.1% ) was more than triple the average public sector gap (6.4%). Pay gaps at some of the largest public sector employers included the Australian federal police (12.2%), the Reserve Bank of Australia (11.5%), the CSIRO (11.3%) and Australia Post (8.6%). After premiering to standing ovations at the first Dark Mofo in 2013, a show bringing Lutruwita/Tasmania's past to life with songs and stories returns this month for a small run in Victoria. The writers of Vandemonian Lags, Mick and Steve Thomas (pictured), talk to Sarah Aitken about their own family's convict past and how the stain of that history has become more of a 'badge of honour'. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Premier League | Manchester City face Bournemouth (pictured) this morning as the race goes on for the top five. Cricket | Brendon McCullum has called on England's cricketers to reconnect with their fans after some poor performances and public comments that they are 'out of touch with the general population'. Cycling | Dutchman Daan Hoole won stage 10 of the Giro d'Italia as rain hampered the later starters in Tuesday's time trial, with Mexico's Isaac del Toro clinging to the overall lead. Westpac is preparing for its biggest jobs cull in years, according to the Financial Review, with up to 1,500 roles at risk. South Australia's toxic algae crisis is worsening, the Advertiser reports, and killing off popular fishing spots. Tim Wilson has won Goldstein by 128 votes after all the ballots were counted but Zoe Daniel isn't giving up yet, the Age reports. After the latest Sydney commuting meltdown, the Herald says commuters are sick of delays no matter who is to blame. Health | The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare will release an update on current impact of endometriosis. Melbourne | There's a Budget lunch with the Victorian treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, at Melbourne Press Club at 12pm. If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Australia's opposition coalition collapses as Nationals split from Liberals after election loss
National Party quits coalition with Liberal Party Conservative split comes after election loss to centre-left Labour Nationals failed to gain support on nuclear energy SYDNEY, May 20 — Australia's National Party has split from its conservative coalition partner of over 60 years, the Liberal Party, citing policy differences over renewable energy and after a resounding loss at a national election this month. 'It's time to have a break,' Nationals leader David Littleproud told reporters today. The split shows the pressure on Australia's conservative parties after Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labour party won a historic second term in the May 3 election, powered by a voter backlash against US President Donald Trump's policies. Under the long-standing partnership in state and federal politics, the Liberal and National coalition had shared power in governments, with the Nationals broadly representing the interests of rural communities and the Liberals contesting city seats. 'We will not be re-entering a coalition agreement with the Liberal Party after this election,' Littleproud said, citing policy differences. Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley, who was installed in the role last week, had pledged to revisit all policies in the wake of the election loss. She said today she was disappointed with the Nationals decision, which came after they had sought specific commitments. 'As the largest non-government political party, the Liberals will form the official opposition,' she added. The Liberals were reduced to 28 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, its worst result, as Labour increased its tally to 94 from 77, registering its largest-ever majority in an Australian election. The National Party retained 15 seats. The Liberal Party lost key city seats to independents supporting gender equality and action on climate change. Ley, a former outback pilot with three finance degrees, was elected as the party's first woman leader after opposition leader Peter Dutton lost his seat in the election. 'She is a leader that needs to rebuild the Liberal party, they are going on a journey of rediscovery and this will provide them the opportunity to do that,' said Littleproud. The Nationals remain committed to 'having the door open' for more coalition talks before the next election, but would uphold the interests of rural Australians, he said. The Nationals had failed to gain a commitment from Ley that her party would continue a policy taken to the election supporting the introduction of nuclear power, and also wanted a crackdown on the market power of Australia's large supermarkets, and better telecommunications in the outback. Australia has the world's largest uranium reserves but bans nuclear energy. Littleproud said nuclear power was needed because Australia's move away from coal to 'renewables only' under the Labour government was not reliable. Wind farm turbines 'are tearing up our landscape, they are tearing up your food security', he said. Michael Guerin, chief executive of AgForce, representing farmers in Queensland state, said the urban-rural divide was worsening. 'Perhaps we're seeing that in the political forum,' he said, adding the Liberals and Nationals each needed to rebuild. Treasurer Jim Chalmers of the Labour party said the split in the opposition was a 'nuclear meltdown', and the Liberals would have a presence 'barely bigger' than the cross-bench of 12 independents and minor parties when parliament sits. — Reuters
