Liberal Party of Australia

The Liberal Party of Australia (LP) is the prominent  centre-right to ring-wing political party in Australia. It is considered one of the two major parties in Australian politics. The Liberal Party was founded in 1944 By Sir Robert Menzies.

Menzies called a conference of conservative parties and other groups opposed to the ruling Australian Labor Party, which met in Canberra on 13 October 1944 and again in Albury, New South Wales in December 1944. Outlining his vision for a new political movement.

The Liberal Party is the largest partner in a centre-right grouping known in Australian politics as the Coalition, accompanied by the regional-based National Party, which is typically focussed on issues pertinent to regional Australia.

The Liberal Party last governed Australia, in coalition with the Nationals, between 2013 and 2022, forming the Abbott (2013–2015), Turnbull (2015–2018) and Morrison (2018–2022) governments. 

The ‘Coalition’ has been suspended on occasion throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, though as of 2025 the two parties form a shadow ministry under the leadership of Sussan Ley.

As leader of the Liberal Party, Ley is also the Leader of the Opposition - a member of the party's Moderate faction, she was elected leader in May 2025 and is the first woman to hold the position.

Two past leaders of the party, Sir Robert Menzies and John Howard are Australia's two longest-serving Prime Ministers.