Welcome to conservative.com.au, the online complement to our new magazine,
the conservative.

Both the magazine and the website have been many months in the planning,
and are a tribute to our Editorial Committee and support team.

The genesis of these projects is found in a series of discussions over the past
year between people interested in Australian politics - most of whom are either
elected representatives or members of the Liberal Party. Most are also of a
philosophically conservative disposition.

the conservative and conservative.com.au are intended to educate, and
provide forums for conversation, both within the “conservative community”, and
between that grouping, and those who prefer alternative policy approaches.

The twin ideas of conservatism and liberalism are the foundations of the
modern Liberal Party. For 60 years, we have managed lively debate in the
Party Room, with leaders, including John Howard, drawing on the benefits of
two competing, but ultimately compatible philosophies.

By comparison, “Labor” is little more than an election-brand, trotted out every
third or fourth year as a common badge for three parties who have virtually
nothing in common except their inability to get on with each other. That will
never be the fate of the Liberal Party.

the conservative will be a quarterly magazine, with more regular updates on
this website. Together, they will provide rigorous analysis and criticism, and will
not shy away from difficult topics. We will be honest and even-handed in our
commentary, including where it concerns our own Government.

As Editor, I am confident that the conservative and conservative.com.au are in
keeping with the Liberal tradition of vigorous debate. I’m delighted to be
associated with these ventures at the outset, and I look forward with interest to
the response, both within and outside our Party.

Hon. Santo Santoro