In a dramatic intervention at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Australia, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott issued a desperate plea to party faithful, urging them to give the Liberal Party "one last chance" despite what he described as destructive internal factional warfare.
The controversial former leader delivered a blistering critique of his own party's internal dynamics, condemning what he called "factional warlords" who he claims are putting personal ambition ahead of the party's electoral success.
A Party in Peril
Abbott didn't hold back in his assessment of the Liberal Party's current state, warning that internal divisions have become so severe they threaten the very survival of the organisation as a viable political force. His speech represented both a warning and a call to arms for conservative Australians.
"We have to give the people of Australia, and the people that we claim to represent, one last chance to vote for us," Abbott declared to the gathered conservatives, his words carrying the weight of a man who has both led the party and witnessed its recent electoral disappointments.
The 'Warlords' Condemnation
In his most provocative comments, Abbott took direct aim at the party's internal power brokers, accusing them of prioritising factional advantage over national interest. This stark condemnation from a former leader highlights the depth of the divisions plaguing the centre-right side of Australian politics.
While stopping short of naming specific individuals, Abbott's message was clear: the party must unite behind current leader Peter Dutton or face continued electoral oblivion.
CPAC's Growing Influence
The choice of venue for Abbott's intervention is significant. CPAC Australia has become an increasingly important gathering for conservative voices, providing a platform for figures who believe mainstream politics has drifted too far from traditional values.
Abbott's prominent role at the event signals his continued influence within the party's conservative wing and his willingness to operate outside traditional party structures to make his case.
The Road to Recovery
The former PM outlined what he sees as the path to redemption for the Liberals, emphasising traditional conservative values and policies that he believes will resonate with ordinary Australians who feel abandoned by current political offerings.
His speech balanced harsh criticism with a message of hope, suggesting that while the party faces significant challenges, recovery is possible if it returns to its core principles and unites behind a clear conservative agenda.
As the Liberal Party continues to grapple with its identity and purpose in the wake of recent electoral setbacks, interventions like Abbott's are likely to fuel both internal debate and external speculation about the party's future direction.
