The Liberal Party dominated Australian federal politics for much of the post-war era, but its position is no longer secure. This course explores the party’s formation under Menzies, its earlier antecedents and the long period in which it shaped national political life.

You’ll also examine the setbacks of recent years at both federal and state level, and consider the larger question now hanging over the party: can it rebuild, or is it following the path of earlier conservative formations that lost their grip on power?

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• There has always been a "liberal" party in federal politics since Federation
• Menzies created the modern Liberal Part in 1944/45 and it had enormous electoral success until at least 2022
• Since then it has suffered a series of catastrophic defeats
• Can it recover or will it go the way of many of its predecessors

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Think about whether the modern Liberal Party of Australia has any future.

COURSE RESOURCES

• Earthquake by Niki Savva
• Is the Party over? by Chris Puplick