Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Why we need a 'conservative spring'

By Dominic Perrottet - posted Friday, 30 December 2016


Almost 75 years ago, Sir Robert Menzies gave his famous "Forgotten People" address .

He spoke of the middle class as the nation's backbone, individual enterprise, governing for everyone and family as the cornerstone for society.

Whether it was Robert Menzies or John Howard – it is Liberal governments, following these timeless principles, who generate wealth, opportunity and progress.

Advertisement

But we cannot rest on our laurels. We live in an age of disruption – and politics is no exception. From Trump to Sanders, from Corbyn to Brexit, the tectonic plates of the political landscape are shifting.

There is a loss of faith in public institutions, the political class and its programme.

Establishment parties overseas are perceived as being on a unity ticket - of big government globalism, crony capitalism and minority fundamentalism.

The frustrated centre is rejecting this elitist agenda and looking elsewhere for solutions - ending up in the arms of reactionary parties.

Much of the success of these reactionaries has been their willingness to challenge political correctness and be a voice for the dispossessed.

Here in Australia, we have seen the minor party vote surge. This is a warning shot across the bow of the conservative establishment.

Advertisement

There is a real danger here, just like Uber disrupted the taxi industry, that reactionary parties will displace the traditional conservative movement.

I believe our problems start with a lack of clarity about our purpose.

No one would be under any illusions as to the goals of the political Left. Their original aim of social justice, through helping the working class, has been left far behind. Today they cloak their politics in the sweet rhetoric of fairness, equality and tolerance – but their agenda is far from benign.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. All

This is an edited version of a speech entitled "The Future Of Conservatism: Why We Need A Conservative Spring" delivered by Hon Dominic Perrottet.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

18 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dominic Perrottet is the NSW Liberal Member for Hawkesbury and the Minister for Finance, Services and Property.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Dominic Perrottet

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 18 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy