The big challenge for Liberals in turning polling momentum into power

Detailed summary

The challenge for federal Liberal leader Angus Taylor and Liberal leaders across the country will be turning that renewed interest into lasting support and resisting the…

The Liberal Party may be finding its feet in the polls but its path back to government could depend on whether it can move beyond the culture wars that have dominated recent political battles.

With cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability and economic uncertainty weighing on Australians, the party could hold a unique advantage by returning to the bread-and-butter issues that have traditionally underpinned its electoral success.

Monash University political scientist Zareh Ghazarian says the Liberals appear to have learnt some critical lessons from their “ill-fated” 2025 campaign and are moving into future political showdowns with a renewed focus on economic managment and everyday issues.

“The Liberal Party’s strategy has been changing in recent times,” he told 7NEWS.com.au.

“Issues concerning identity and values are not things that necessarily motivate people to support the Liberal Party.

“Rather, it’s the bread and butter issues that will be important for the party.”

Ghazarian said the party’s traditional strength had been its reputation for economic management, which had been central to some of its most successful election campaigns.

“The party has positioned itself as the most effective or the more effective manager of the economy, that’s been critical for the party’s reputation,” he said.

So, as Australians grapple with rising costs, housing pressures and growing uncertainty about the economy, Ghazarian said the political environment was creating an opportunity for the Liberals to capitalise on dissatisfaction with the Albanese Government.

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