Tony Abbott Elected Liberal Party President Unopposed

Former prime minister Tony Abbott was elected Liberal Party president on Friday without opposition at the party's two-day annual national convention. Mr Abbott said the country faced a state of spiritual malaise that only a Liberal opposition could address. He stated the party's challenge was to persuade a sceptical public that it remained the most credible alternative government.

In a 10-minute speech, Mr Abbott said the Liberal Party remained the best hope for better government. He praised Opposition Leader Angus Taylor for demonstrating leadership on budget reply night with an agenda that included ending mass migration. Mr Abbott acknowledged the party had about 50,000 members and said attracting new members was his priority to help Mr Taylor win the next election.

The Liberal Party has worked to restore voter confidence since its worst election defeat in modern history last year, when the Coalition was reduced to 43 seats in the lower house. Mr Taylor replaced Sussan Ley as leader and has shifted the party toward a right-wing economic and immigration platform.

Mr Abbott is expected to step down from his role on the advisory board of Advance Australia, which he joined in 2023.