The Party

Our Beliefs

We believe in the inalienable rights and freedoms of all peoples; and we work towards a lean government that minimises interference in our daily lives; and maximises individual and private sector initiative.

We believe in government that nurtures and encourages its citizens through incentive, rather than putting limits on people through the... read more

Our History

In 1944, the Liberal Party of Australia was founded after a three-day meeting held in a small hall not far from Parliament House in Canberra. The meeting was called by the then Leader of the Opposition (United Australia Party) Robert Menzies. He had already served as Prime Minister of Australia, but he believed that the non-Labor parties should... read more

Our Structure

The Organisational and Parliamentary wings of the Liberal Party each have clearly defined and separate roles. In the Liberal Party, the Organisational wing cannot dictate policy but consults with and advises the Parliamentary wing, particularly on the development of longer-term policies. The Organisational wing is based on the Party’s paid membership... read more

Achievements in Government

From 1996 to 2007, the Howard / Costello Government eliminated more than $96 billion in government debt, restored Australia’s AAA credit rating and delivered more jobs, the lowest unemployment rates in 33 years, lower inflation, lower interest rates, a lower tax burden, higher wages, more productive workplaces, higher pensions, better living standards, more funding for health... read more

Party People

• Federal President, Alan Stockdale read more
• Federal Treasurer, Philip Higginson read more
• Federal Director, Brian Loughnane read more

Menzies Research Centre

The Menzies Research Centre works to promote the principles of individual liberty, free speech, competitive enterprise, limited government and democracy. As a leading public policy institute, MRC undertakes extensive research, develops forums for debate and provides recommendations that are practical and applicable... read more

Liberal Women

Women are unquestionably destined to exercise more and more influence upon practical politics in Australia…In the educating of the electorate in liberal ideas they have for many years been an effective force. Now we have an organisation in which all distinctions have gone, and with men and women working equally for the one body …”... read more

Australian Liberals Abroad

Australian Liberals Abroad is the overseas supporters network for the many Australians who choose to work or study overseas... read more

Reith Report

Review of the 2010 Federal Election by the Hon. Peter Reith.

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Young Liberals

As with so much of the early history of the Liberal Party of Australia, the origins of the Young Liberal Movement are very much tied up with the activities of Robert Gordon Menzies. Around 1929, Menzies, serving as an Opposition member of the Victorian state parliament, joined with Wilfred Kent-Hughes in the formation of the Young Nationalists Organisation. Menzies became its first President... read more

International Links

The Liberal Party is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Democrat Union and the International Democrat Union. These organisations link like-minded political parties around the world and work in co-operation to provide world-wide links on policy issues, campaigning techniques and foreign affairs matters. The Liberal Party also has a supporter's base in London, known as the 'UK Branch'... read more