Tony Abbott’s Call for Unity at CPAC Brisbane

Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, addressed attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Brisbane, urging conservatives to give the Liberal party “one last chance.” He acknowledged the party’s disappointing performance in the 2025 elections and called on voters not to turn to minor right-wing parties.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s Support for Liberal Party

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, recently removed from the shadow frontbench, encouraged attendees to stick with the Liberal party. She proposed that party members abandon the net zero climate target, which received cheers from the crowd.

Abbott’s Vision for a Reformed Liberal Party

In his keynote speech, Abbott stated, “We must be a better opposition this time than last time.” He appealed for another chance to earn voters’ trust, emphasizing that reform within the party is essential to remove the influence of “factional warlords.”

Concerns About Losing Voter Support

Coalition insiders expressed worries about losing ground to both moderate “teal” independents and more radical right-wing parties like One Nation. A recent Newspoll indicated that the Coalition’s primary vote had reached a record low of 27%, while One Nation’s support rose to 10%.

Push for Stronger Center-Right Policies

Abbott urged the Liberal party to oppose Labor’s aggressive climate action plans, warning that the government’s proposed 62-70% reduction target by 2035 could jeopardize their political future. Price echoed these sentiments, describing the previous election defeat as a “Coalition failure.”

Challenges Ahead for the Coalition

Coalition leader Sussan Ley emphasized the need for the party to review its climate position while remaining committed to net zero. Meanwhile, Warren Mundine, chair of CPAC, called on conservative voters to unite and strategize effectively for future elections.

Conclusion

The message from CPAC is clear: leading figures within the conservative movement are calling for unity, reform, and a renewed commitment to core principles to regain lost support. As debates over climate policy and party direction continue, the future of the Coalition hangs in the balance.