Discussion Paper

Welcome

In May 1942, the world was at war. Freedom was in retreat. Europe cowered under Nazi tyranny. Imperial Japan was preparing to invade Australia.

It was the darkest of times.

Yet, it was in this month of May, and on the wireless, a former Prime Minister continued his broadcast essays to the nation.

Robert Menzies was preparing a future centred on the pillars of freedom, for a post-war Australia focused on the middle class, Australia’s forgotten people.

Though it is not 1942, we are again in the political fight of our lives.

Our Party exists for one reason, and only one reason. We exist to fight and campaign to win elections, so that our values and beliefs are actioned in government.

But less than twelve months ago, the Federal Liberal Party suffered its second consecutive landslide loss.

We hold few seats in urban areas, core demographics continue to turn away from us without looking back, our membership is ageing, and campaign resources are stretched.

Our question must be — “what would Menzies do?”

Our historical mission is to learn from Menzies and his forgotten people.

Our political mission is to find, grow, nurture and forge the New Forgotten People.

The purpose of this Discussion Paper is to review not just our recent electoral results, but the Liberal Party as a whole.

This Paper, distributed to all Party units across Australia, asks for input into how the Liberal Party can improve the membership experience, better reflect Australian communities, select competitive candidates, engage with a modern and diverse Australia, and improve our Party and campaign structures. Indeed, how we can best fight for the New Forgotten People.

Feedback will be collated and incorporated into the Liberal Party Commission’s Final Report.

Our core question is: how do we make the Liberal Party a fit-for-purpose political machine in the 21^st century?

Our ask is for you to complete our questionnaire and support us on this mission.