Liberals go back to basics after crawling to year’s end

Australia’s economy is back in the spotlight as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley tries to put the coalition’s infighting behind her and return to first principles.

Since the Liberals’ coup in the federal election, the party has been plagued by chaos.

A brief split from the National Party, front-bench resignations, a bitter war of words and eventual move to an emissions reduction target, the departure of a former National Party leader and mounting speculation over a leadership leak dominated the headlines.

Ms Ley has retained her crown against all odds and now wants to get back to basics.

“We need to be there for the most vulnerable; that’s why you’re running a responsible budget,” he told the NSW Liberal State Council on Saturday.

Voters have historically perceived coalitions as better managers of the economy.

But the Australian Election Survey, published on Wednesday, found voters prefer Labor over a coalition to manage the economy and taxation; It was the first time the roles had been reversed since researchers began collecting data in 1987.

Holding a copy of the coalition’s “affordable and responsible” energy plan, Ms Ley sought to combine power policy with fiscal responsibility, two weeks after the Liberal Party abandoned its target of net zero emissions by 2050.

“Australians deserve affordable energy and responsible emissions reduction,” he said.

“We can have both, but affordable energy has to be a priority right now.”

Ms Ley stood shoulder to shoulder with Kellie Sloane for the first time since she was elected NSW Liberal leader last week.

The first-term lawmaker has garnered the support needed to take on the state’s top job after issuing calls for new faces.

Some believe it could help the party win back the urban and female votes it desperately needs if it is to compete in the next election.

“Many people told me this couldn’t be won, and history tells me it couldn’t be won,” Ms Sloane told the conference.

“I want to change history.”

There was no mention of energy policy in his speech.

The state branch’s decision to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 has left the NSW Liberal Party at odds with its federal counterpart and state coalition partner.

But Ms Sloane stressed the NSW coalition remained united as she welcomed the state’s new National leader, Gurmesh Singh.

“We are very good friends, we are proud to be coalitionists together, we are stronger together,” he said.

“Together we will work hard for the state; it will be a coherent plan.”

In keeping with the federal focus, Ms Sloane said her priorities would be infrastructure, economic growth and housing, which could help win over young voters who flocked to Labor in the federal election.

“We will focus on providing practical cost of living relief, strengthening our frontline services, delivering more housing in the right places and maintaining responsible budget management,” he said.

“This is the long-term plan New South Wales needs.”

The next NSW election will be held in 2027.