Why we need a 'conservative spring'

We also talk about 'small government', as if it were some kind of Holy Grail.This is a classic example of confusing the ends with the means.

Yes we believe in small government – but that's because we firstly believe in good government.

As British PM Theresa May said recently, it's time we conservatives started talking about the good that governments can do.Small, lean and focused governments are good because they can deliver the services and programs we need more effectively. They also leave space for what really makes our communities tick – families, civic groups and small business.

Small government, strong economies and balanced budgets aren't the end goal.They are but a means to secure more freedom, better opportunity and human flourishing.

We must change our language to speak to hearts, as well as minds.

Instead of talking just about the economy, we must talk about people first – how we are empowering individuals, families and communities to reach their potential.

Sometimes our movement also seems too willing to surrender its principles on key issues.Increasingly what we are seeing today is the mobilisation of state power to attack the sacred foundations of our democratic contract.

Things like the rights of freedom of thought, speech, expression and association. It's telling that modern day conservatives can stand by and not do anything about 18C.

What happened to Andrew Bolt, Bill Leak and the students at QUT is not a peripheral issue – it goes to the very core of what we believe in.

We live in a pluralistic society and I have zero tolerance for racism.

But I also have zero tolerance for people being subjected to secret trials by highly paid government bureaucrats, for simply expressing opinions that other people disagree with.

While people are blaming the human rights machinery, it is a Liberal government who is presiding over this system and seems unwilling or unable to end it.