Jeremy Rockliff - Liberal Party

The Liberal Party of Australia has traditionally been characterized by its conservative and economic liberal stances, with a historical shift from protectionism to embracing market deregulation and privatization. Founded with a strong anti-socialist sentiment, it promotes individual freedom, enterprise, and minimal government intervention.

National Security:

The manifesto commits to Australia's resilience and sovereignty, emphasizing a "rules over anarchy" approach. The Liberal Party takes credit for historical support to Ukraine, defense against economic coercion, and investment in defense capabilities, including partnerships like AUKUS and regional initiatives.

International Relations and Defense:

Over $225 million in military assistance and other forms of aid. Investment and partnership in the Pacific region to strengthen ties and sovereignty.

Standing up against economic coercion by diversifying and expanding economic relations. Doubling defense spending, commissioning new defense capabilities, and reinforcing alliances.

Economic Management:

The Liberal Party presents its record on economic growth, job creation, and low unemployment rates as evidence of its effective governance, contrasting this with Labor's historical performance.

Jobs and Growth:

Commitment to creating 1.3 million jobs over five years, with a focus on regional Australia. Extended support for apprenticeships through various programs and funding initiatives.

Infrastructure and Manufacturing:

The party outlines commitments to invest in manufacturing, particularly in regional areas, to ensure economic resilience and growth. Continued support for six national manufacturing priorities and investment in major manufacturing projects.

Aligned investment in university research and commercialization to support manufacturing innovation.

Education and Workforce:

Plans for 800,000 new training positions and additional funding for skills training. nvestment in programs to encourage women in non-traditional trades and to improve economic security.

Immigration:

The party supports skilled migration to address workforce shortages and support economic sectors like education and tourism.

Governance:

The Liberal Party touts its record on governance, including measures to counter foreign interference, and its policies to strengthen cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity and Law Enforcement:

Funding to boost defenses and combat digital crime with and laws to address terrorism and support law enforcement agencies. The party's base has predominantly been the middle class, though recent trends suggest a diversification.

Factionally, it has seen a realignment from moderate and center-right towards a stronger right-wing influence. Socially, the Liberal Party has contributed to significant reforms such as multiethnic immigration and Aboriginal rights, balancing its conservative roots with elements of social liberalism.

The party supports constitutional monarchy, with varying opinions on republicanism among its members. Internationally, it is committed to democratic values, aligning with global democratic unions.

Climate Change:

The Liberal Party is on committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Their emissions are already 20% lower than in 2005, the baseline for the Paris Agreement.

They are on track to meet and beat their 2030 Paris target, with latest projections showing a 30-35% reduction.

Housing:

The Liberal Party's housing strategy includes enabling first home buyers to use superannuation for deposits, offering incentives for over-55s to invest in superannuation after selling their homes, and expanding low-deposit guarantees to assist various home buyers, including those in regional areas and single parents. They also propose increasing the Assets Test Exemption duration for downsizing pensioners and committing additional funding to support the construction of affordable housing.

Defence:

Australia has increased its defence spending to over 2% of GDP, engaging in the AUKUS security partnership with the UK and US, focusing on advanced technologies and acquiring nuclear-powered submarines to bolster naval capabilities. The government is significantly investing in the naval shipbuilding plan, enhancing army and air force equipment, and expanding cyber defence capabilities with a $15 billion investment.

Efforts to support veterans are also emphasized, including mental health care, support services, and acknowledging their service through various programs.

Immigration:

The Liberal Party has a strong stance on border protection. Their policies, first enacted by Scott Morrison as Immigration Minister, include regional processing, Temporary Protection Visas (which deny people smugglers a product to sell), and boat turn-backs when it is safe to do so.

These policies are necessary to protect Australia’s borders and deny people smugglers a product to sell. The Liberal Party has also increased the Minister’s power to cancel visas for non-citizens convicted of a serious crime.

This has resulted in a 12-fold increase in visa cancellations. Between December 2014 and February 2022, the Government cancelled or refused the visas of over 10,200 dangerous criminals.

The coalition government capped the permanent migration intake at 160,000 per year over the next 3 years, including a refugee cap of 18,750 new migrants. 70 per cent will be in the Skill stream and 30 per cent in the Family stream.

Inflation:

The liberal party promise further tax reductions, ensuring Australians retain more earnings, and introduce a targeted cost of living package to mitigate rising living expenses. Key initiatives include halving fuel excise, delivering a $250 cost of living payment to millions, and extending tax relief for low and middle-income earners.

The Coalition also emphasizes its commitment to affordable housing, healthcare, and energy.