Liberal senator George Brandis lashes former PM John Howard

[brendan]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24537827-7583,00.html

very good read

[Collin Li]

Good article.

I'm not too well-read at Australian history - was Liberal really a party in favour of individualism and classical liberalism before John Howard shaped Liberal with his social conservatism?

Regardless, that should be the direction that Liberal moves in. IMO, it would be a direction that would resonate with the populace. A party that supports social freedoms, and economic freedoms! Also, it would steal the social freedom vote from the left, as Labor continue to be led by socially conservative Mr. Rudd.

[Eriny]

I'm not too well-read at Australian history - was Liberal really a party in favour of individualism and classical liberalism before John Howard shaped Liberal with his social conservatism?

I'm not actually sure. I think it started off to be classically liberal, which enticed the business world into voting for them. The perversity being that as their ties with the business world grew, so did their perceived obligations to the business world. Which, I'm sure we'll both agree, is not a great thing. I think it may be why tariffs were so high for so long.

Socially, though, I'm also not 100% sure. I think the liberals have always been on the conservative side, possibly due to religious links, which are an important demographic (and probably attracts many people affiliated with religion to the Liberal Party). I remember reading an article which talked about how traditionally Catholics voted Labor and Protestants voted for the Coalition for whatever reason, but now both tend to vote for the Coalition. Also, I don't think there's been any stage in Australia's history where the Liberal Party has been for a Republic, whereas Labor has been heavily Republican since (and arguably, because of) Whitlam. So, maybe the perceived ties with Mother England that have continued (though not so much today, I suppose) have also made the Liberals tend towards social conservatism. Further, the National Party is quite conservative, so their tie with them probably heightens the natural level of conservatism.

[brendan]

Also, I don't think there's been any stage in Australia's history where the Liberal Party has been for a Republic, whereas Labor has been heavily Republican since (and arguably, because of) Whitlam. So, maybe the perceived ties with Mother England that have continued (though not so much today, I suppose) have also made the Liberals tend towards social conservatism.

Whether or not you are for a "Republic" is a really bad test of whether you are a liberal on social issues.

[Eriny]

Well, as I said, it's not being a 'Republic' itself, it's this notion of being tied to another nation, whose leadership has historically tended towards the conservative side (not so much anymore, though).