CANBERRA (AAP) By Dr. Majid Khan -Senior liberals want the party to be seen as uniting the country rather than dividing it as it bounces back from a string of election losses.
The Liberal Party’s votes in the 2022 federal election were the lowest in the party’s history and are now opposed in every state legislature on the mainland.
The opposition also lost Aston’s Melbourne seat to the government in a by-election, turning a century of political history upside down.
Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham said he wants the party to return to its values while reflecting modern Australia to ensure it sends a compelling message to voters.
“Times have changed, social structures and demographics have changed,” he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. “We should still be a small business party, but we should use this as a tool to engage immigrant and multicultural communities who are very entrepreneurial in nature.”
Senator Birmingham said voter feedback suggests he sees the party as intolerant, divisive and sometimes evil.
“Equal opportunity is at the core of liberal beliefs about individual rights and individual opportunities,” he said.
Senator Birmingham said discussions on marginal issues such as transgender rights were counterproductive, and admitted that women did not think the party represented their interests.
Deputy leader Sussan Ley said the loss of Aston was disappointing, but MPs would learn from it and work hard to regain voter confidence.
“We will redouble our efforts, refocus and resolutely reach out to the Australian people to ensure that they have confidence and credibility when it comes to the next election,” she said. Liberal MP Bridget Archer fears Wednesday’s party’s decision to oppose the proposed Native American referendum will link it to “divisive and racist views”.
Dutton told reporters after a party hall meeting that he did not believe the stance would hurt the Liberal Party any further.
“What we are proposing as the Liberal Party is an opportunity to unite our nation, not disrupt the system of government as we know it.
“And to put ourselves in a position to improve outcomes for Aboriginal Australians on the ground.”
Green Party leader Adam Band has criticized the Liberal Party’s position.
“Liberals are little racists who are becoming insignificant,” he said. “As we move forward towards a treaty, the rest of the country is beginning to reckon with the past, but Peter Dutton is about to ignite a culture war.
