Tony Abbott Urges Liberals’ “One Last Chance” as He Condemns Party Factionalism
At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (Cpac) in Brisbane, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott delivered a rallying call to conservative voters, urging them to give the Liberal Party “one last chance” to redeem itself after its crushing defeat in the 2025 federal election. His remarks, which also included a sharp critique of the party’s internal factionalism, came alongside interventions from other prominent right-leaning figures, including Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and conference chair Warren Mundine.
The conference, a key gathering of conservative politicians, influencers, and activists, served as a platform for high-profile Coalition figures to address party supporters and emphasise the need for unity within the conservative movement. Abbott’s speech was framed as a direct appeal to voters who might otherwise consider defecting to minor right-wing parties in response to perceived disarray within the Liberal ranks.
A Call for Party Unity
In his speech, Abbott acknowledged the party’s disappointing performance in the 2025 election and expressed regret for failing to meet voter expectations. “We must be a better opposition this time than last time, and we must be a better government next time than last time,” he said, emphasizing the need for the Liberals to regain credibility and competence.
Abbott repeatedly asked conservatives to extend their support, urging: “I hope that you will give us one last chance to prove ourselves worthy of your trust.” The phrase was a recurring theme throughout his address, reflecting a sense of urgency about restoring voter confidence and addressing internal divisions that have plagued the party in recent years.
He also directly criticized the influence of “factional warlords” within the party, highlighting the damaging effects of internal power struggles on its public image and electoral prospects. By calling out entrenched factionalism, Abbott signaled his commitment to a more transparent, cohesive approach aimed at prioritizing policy delivery and voter engagement over internal politicking.
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Joins the Rallying Cry
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, recently removed from the shadow frontbench, also took to the stage at Cpac to urge conservatives not to abandon the Liberal Party. Price’s remarks reflected a similar concern for party unity and ideological clarity, particularly on contentious issues such as climate policy.
In a moment that drew enthusiastic applause, Price encouraged her colleagues to reconsider Australia’s net zero climate target, arguing that the party must better align its policies with the concerns of conservative voters. Her intervention underscored the broader debate within the Liberal Party over policy direction, particularly in balancing electoral pragmatism with ideological commitments.
Warren Mundine and Other Conservative Leaders Weigh In
Warren Mundine, chair of the conference and a longstanding figure in Australian conservative politics, echoed Abbott and Price in urging unity among Coalition supporters. His remarks emphasized the need for conservatives to coalesce around the Liberal Party rather than splinter into minor parties, which he suggested could weaken the broader conservative movement.
The gathering highlighted the ongoing tension within the party between different factions and ideological groups. It also illustrated the influence of high-profile voices in shaping the public narrative around the Liberals’ renewal and the party’s prospects ahead of future elections.
Lessons from the 2025 Election
The 2025 federal election was a sobering moment for the Liberals, reflecting both voter dissatisfaction and the challenges of internal party dynamics. Analysts suggest that factionalism, policy missteps, and a lack of cohesive messaging contributed to the party’s underperformance. Abbott’s speech at Cpac sought to confront these issues head-on, presenting a vision of a more united and disciplined party capable of regaining public trust.
By emphasizing accountability and the need for reform, Abbott aimed to reassure conservative voters that the party is capable of learning from its mistakes and preparing to compete effectively in future elections. His call for one last chance was as much about policy credibility as it was about internal party cohesion, signaling a focus on rebuilding the Liberal brand from the ground up.
The Broader Implications
Abbott’s intervention at Cpac comes at a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party. With internal debates over leadership, policy priorities, and factional influence ongoing, the party faces the challenge of presenting a clear and compelling vision to voters. The public appeals from Abbott, Price, and Mundine reflect a concerted effort to unify the party’s base and prevent further erosion of support to minor right-wing parties.
The conference also illustrated the broader dynamics of Australia’s conservative movement, which continues to grapple with balancing traditional values, economic policy, and environmental considerations. Abbott’s remarks suggest a strategic effort to consolidate support ahead of the next electoral cycle, ensuring that the party can present a coherent alternative to the governing coalition.
Looking Ahead
As the Liberal Party works to recover from its 2025 setback, the messages delivered at Cpac are likely to influence both party strategy and public perception. Abbott’s emphasis on unity, accountability, and voter trust sets a tone for the party’s internal discussions and policy planning in the months ahead.
With prominent conservatives calling for renewed cohesion and a focus on policy delivery, the Liberal Party faces a critical period in defining its identity and preparing to compete effectively in future elections. The appeals for one last chance are a clear signal that party veterans believe the Liberals remain the central vehicle for conservative governance in Australia—but only if internal reform and voter engagement are prioritized.
