As it approaches the election, the government’s economic pitch on its
record is being linked to the argument that the Coalition is the best
manager in uncertain times.
Morrison’s preacher-style stump speech invoking Menzies sent some wider messages.
Simon Dallinger/AAP
It’s hard to fault Morrison’s first fortnight, if you can get past his description of events that tore down a PM as “that Muppet Show”, and swallow any cynicism about his careful choreography.
Josh Frydenberg and Scott Morrison may turn to Robert Menzies’ lessons on how to rebuild a party.
AAP/The Conversation
Their longest serving leader built the modern Liberal Party after its predecessor collapsed in 1941– but it took him eight years and defeat in two elections.
Turnbull may be the last of the old liberal-conservative politicians.
AAP/Composite/The Conversation
Turnbull brought a Menzian style to his leadership, but the world has changed quite a bit since Robert Menzies.
To become prime minister, Turnbull made himself a willing hostage at the outset to right-wing policies that contradicted his political persona.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
In staying hostage to this right-wing lunge, rather than fighting to move it back to the mainstream, Turnbull erased his moderate face, destroying his only utility – electoral utility – to the Liberals.
The insults have becoming increasingly personal, but they don’t always work.
AAP/Lukas Coch
Creating epithets for political opponents has a long history in Australia – and when it works, it can be devastating.
A reversion to imperial imbalance in the British-Australian relationship began with the Whitlam government’s election and ended with its dismissal.
AAP/NAA
The continued embargo on documents relating to the dismissal of the Whitlam government point to the lingering imperial power that comes from an incomplete severance of colonial ties.
Canberra’s attitude to nuclear weapons has always been riddled with contradictions. Homegrown nuclear campaigners winning the Nobel prize have put the cat among the pigeons.
While a lot of people just shrug impatiently at insider politics, a substantial number have turned to ‘outsider’ players.
Malcolm Turnbull’s speech reminded his Liberal colleagues that he has not stolen the party and his leadership is legitimately Liberal.
Reuters/Hannah Mckay
Malcolm Turnbull’s claim that Robert Menzies’ party was meant to be one of the ‘sensible centre’ has some validity – but it may also be that that centre has shifted significantly, too.
The reference to Tony Abbott in his London speech gave Malcolm Turnbull some body armour.
Lukas Coch/AAP
If he was emphasising he’s a centrist, that is hardly a surprise, although when he translates it into policy it annoys the hell out of those on the right.
The Liberal Party contains moderates like George Brandis, Christopher Pyne and Malcolm Turnbull, and conservatives such as Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz and Peter Dutton.
AAP/The Conversation
With fringe right parties feasting on the margins of conservative political discontent in Australia, deeper questions are being asked about whether the Liberal Party itself is at risk.
Scott Morrison talked about the challenges of a nation indifferent to the business of politics.
Dan Himbrechts/AAP
The formation of the Liberal-National coalition significantly changed Australian politics. But the Nationals’ influence has waned as Australia has become more urbanised.
Riven by dispute about the idea of liberalism espoused by Robert Menzies, and increasingly at risk of fracture, a once great party is in turmoil.
Was World Vision Australia chief advocate Tim Costello right to say that Australia’s foreign aid spending was at its highest under Menzies, at 0.5% of gross national income?
AAP Image/Royal Australian Air Force, CPL Jessica de Rouw