True Believers with Tony Abbott: The Character Test

Menzies Research Centre

In the True Believers podcast series, Nick Cater revisits the 1954 We Believe statement which attempted to articulate the key Liberal Party virtues.

In this episode, he is joined by Australia's 28th Prime Minister, The Hon Tony Abbott, AC, to discuss the influence of government policy on character, individual freedom and the confidence needed to resist the accepted wisdom of our day.

Nick Cater is Senior Fellow at Menzies Research Centre.

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[00:02:33] Liberalism and Australian values.

[00:04:35] Climate change and leadership.

[00:09:00] Elections and climate change.

[00:14:38] Welfare and Indigenous communities.

[00:19:34] Fundamental virtues and dystopian dysfunction.

[00:25:41] The millennial bug.

[00:28:56] Censorship and Free Speech.

[00:34:39] Renewable energy and unintended consequences.

[00:37:09] Peak insanity and cultural self-loathing.

[00:41:06] Australian citizenship and equal rights.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott delves into the essence of Australian Liberalism and identifies two key elements: a preference for freedom and a deep pride in the country. He emphasises that these aspects form the foundation of the Liberal Party's values and beliefs.

Abbott explains that the preference for freedom is a fundamental principle of Australian Liberalism, encompassing individual liberty, limited government intervention, and personal responsibility. This freedom extends to both economic aspects, such as free markets and minimal regulation, and personal aspects, including individual rights and civil liberties.

Abbott underscores the significance of a deep pride in the country as a defining characteristic of Australian Liberalism. This pride stems from a genuine love and appreciation for Australia's history, culture, and achievements. It reflects a sense of patriotism and a desire to safeguard and promote the nation's interests.

For Abbott, these two elements of Australian Liberalism work in harmony. The preference for freedom allows individuals to pursue their own goals and aspirations, while the deep pride in the country fosters a sense of unity and collective identity. He suggests that this combination of freedom and pride forms the basis for a successful society and should be embraced by the Liberal Party.