The mood's changed. The Greens and Liberals aren't chasing the sensible centre
The Australian Liberal Party and the Greens have shifted away from their post-2025 election promises to occupy the 'sensible centre.' Both parties are returning to more combative political strategies as their new leadership teams seek to regain electoral traction.
Why it matters
This shift signals a potential increase in political polarization in Australia, impacting the legislative environment and government stability.
The Liberal Party and Greens have new leaders and both have dispensed with their respective party's flirtation with being constructive. ( ABC News )
Link copied Share Share article After the 2025 federal election, when both the Liberals and the Greens were smashed in the lower house, their new leaders declared they would listen to voters and pivot to the centre.
In her first public comments as Liberal leader, Sussan Ley spoke of a Liberal Party that respected, reflected and represented modern Australia.
"We have to meet the people where they are, and that's what I am committed to doing, and what I am determined to do," she said.
She talked about the "sensible centre" and tried to change the party's direction after Peter Dutton's defeat, as many Liberals felt they paid a high electoral price for his Trump-lite leadership.
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