All News
With less than 15 days remaining until the federal election, it’s time to take a closer look at the Coalition—Australia’s long-standing centre-right alliance between the Liberal and National parties. In this overview, we explore the Coalition’s history, core values, major policy proposals, and the key challenges it faces heading into polling day.
Who Are the Coalition?
The Coalition refers to the political partnership between the Liberal Party and the National Party, formally established in 1946 but rooted in earlier alliances dating back to the 1930s. Originally formed to counter Labor dominance, it has since become Australia’s most electorally successful political force. The Coalition operates on a mutual agreement not to compete against each other in most electorates, with the Liberals typically focusing on suburban and urban seats and the Nationals representing regional and rural Australia.
Key Beliefs and Support Base
Liberal Party: The Liberal Party draws its ideology from classical liberalism, supporting individual freedoms, small government, deregulation, and lower taxes. While it embraces free-market economics, it still acknowledges the role of a mixed-market system. Socially, it leans conservative, though its “small-l” liberal faction caters to more socially moderate urban voters.
National Party: The Nationals prioritize agrarian and regional interests. While broadly aligned with Liberal economic policy, they are more pragmatic about protectionism for agriculture and are considered more socially conservative. The party enjoys strong support in rural communities and acts as a voice for regional Australia.
Together, the two parties form a broad church spanning economic liberalism and social conservatism, with a geographic division of focus rarely seen in other democracies.
Election Policies
Key policy announcements for this election include:
Fuel Excise Cut: A 25c per litre cut, reviewed after one year, potentially saving a two-car household $1,500 annually.
Housing: A temporary ban on foreign residential property investment (3 years) and a pledge to build 100,000 homes during the first term.
Energy: A national nuclear energy strategy including seven reactor sites, paired with expanded domestic gas supply and price controls to stabilize the market.
Market Power Regulation: Sector-specific divestiture powers to prevent corporate abuse of market dominance.
Agriculture: Plans to revive live sheep exports and halt select offshore wind projects, aligning with National Party priorities.
Costs and Concerns
The Coalition’s economic pledges, particularly fuel excise cuts, risk subtracting up to 4% from federal revenue—raising concerns about potential spending cuts or the need for higher taxes. The party’s housing and energy strategies, while ambitious, could lead to market instability or regulatory gridlock, especially with nuclear energy facing state-level opposition and public scrutiny.
There are also concerns around the Coalition’s ability to clearly communicate its policies amid Labor-led critiques over Medicare, nuclear safety, and work-from-home changes. Recent backflips, such as on remote work policy, have further invited criticism about inconsistency.
Broader Political Challenges
The Coalition faces a difficult media environment, intensified scrutiny, and a Senate that may block major reforms. Furthermore, international factors—such as the return of Donald Trump in the U.S.—could reignite fears of hard-right politics influencing domestic debate.
With pressure mounting and a complex policy agenda to sell, the Coalition’s performance over the next two weeks will be crucial in determining its electoral fate.
The Bottom Line
The Coalition remains a significant force in Australian politics, offering a traditional centre-right alternative to Labor. However, its electoral path is far from guaranteed. As election day approaches, the party must unify its message, shore up its policy platform, and connect with voters across a deeply divided electorate.
Stay with us for continuing coverage as we track the road to the federal election—bringing you the facts, not the noise.
References
Liberal Party of Australia. (n.d.). Our plan. https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Liberal Party of Australia. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Party_of_Australia
Dziedzic, S. (2025, April 1). What the major parties stand for in the 2025 election. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-01/what-major-parties-stand-for/104985146
National Party of Australia. (n.d.). Home. https://www.nationals.org.au/
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). National Party of Australia. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Party_of_Australia
Auspol Explained. (2022, October 11). Why are there two Liberal Parties? The Coalition in Australian Politics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1-6BVX7Ufc
Liberal Party of Australia. (2024, December 13). A cheaper, cleaner and more consistent energy plan for Australia. https://www.liberal.org.au/2024/12/13/a-cheaper-cleaner-and-more-consistent-energy-plan-for-australia
Dziedzic, S. (2024, December 13). Coalition says nuclear option is cheaper than renewables. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-13/coalition-says-nuclear-option-cheaper-than-renewables/104720926
