The Liberal Party's Strategy at CPAC Perth: Aiming to Reclaim the Center-Right

The inaugural Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Perth, titled "Reset the West," served as a platform for the Australian Liberal Party to address its recent electoral struggles and redefine its position within the center-right political landscape. Following significant losses in both state and federal elections, the Liberal Party is facing increasing competition from the populist One Nation party, which currently garners 20-25% of the primary vote in some polls. The conference featured key figures such as federal MP Andrew Hastie and WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas, who emphasized the need for a conservative revival.

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During the conference, Andrew Hastie criticized the incumbent Labor government, linking high immigration rates to the ongoing housing crisis and rising inflation, which reached 4.9% in Perth. He argued that the strain on infrastructure and essential services is a direct consequence of "uncontrolled immigration." Zempilas echoed these sentiments, stating that the housing crisis is eroding social cohesion and trust in government. However, political scientist Martin Drum noted that blaming immigrants for housing unaffordability misrepresents the issue, as businesses in Western Australia are actually calling for more skilled workers to address labor shortages in the construction sector.

The absence of One Nation representatives at CPAC was notable, as the Liberal Party appears to be adopting a strategy to absorb the populist rhetoric without directly collaborating with them. This approach aims to consolidate the center-right by appealing to disenfranchised voters who feel abandoned by the current political establishment. The conference's discussions centered on making home ownership more accessible, with Zempilas advocating for policies that would reduce governmental barriers to housing.

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Critics argue that the Liberal Party's focus on anti-immigration messaging may not align with the needs of Western Australian businesses, particularly in the construction industry, which requires skilled labor. Drum highlighted the disconnect between the party's rhetoric and the realities faced by employers seeking workers. This criticism raises questions about the effectiveness of the Liberal Party's strategy to regain voter trust and address economic anxieties.

The rhetoric surrounding immigration and housing at CPAC indicates that these issues will remain central to Australian political discourse. The Liberal Party's attempt to reclaim its footing in the center-right may have significant implications for its policies on immigration and foreign relations, particularly affecting international students and migrants from regions such as Africa. As the party navigates this complex landscape, the effectiveness of its strategy in countering the rise of One Nation and appealing to traditional Liberal voters remains uncertain.

• “If you lose the people who work hard and do the right thing and just want a fair shot, then you don't just lose elections, you lose the very purpose of our movement,” — Basil Zempilas, WA Liberal Leader

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• “Immigration numbers are too high, while the standards are too low.” — Andrew Hastie, Federal MP

• “One Nation has always been very heavily anti-immigration and they have been more forceful about it than any of the major parties, because the major parties are thinking about what skills do we need for our economy and what do businesses need,” — Martin Drum, Political Scientist

• “That's why One Nation, the teals and Greens have risen to prominence.” — Andrew Hastie, Federal MP

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The CPAC conference in Perth marks a critical juncture for the Liberal Party as it seeks to redefine its identity and strategy in a rapidly changing political environment.

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