Liberal–National party merger

In the politics of Australia, the Liberal Party of Australia and National Party of Australia (formerly the Australian Country Party) have stood in federal elections as a coalition since the Liberal Party's founding in 1944. A full merger of the parties has been debated for decades,[1] as a result of a shrinking National Party vote.[2][3][4] It is argued that the decline in the National vote is linked to a declining rural population, and National Party policies have become increasingly similar to those of the Liberal Party.[5] Additionally, in the states and territories of Australia, the parties' affiliates have worked in coalition on multiple occasions. Additionally, the Country Liberal Party of the Northern Territory has been affiliated with both parties since its formation, and in July 2008 the National Party of Australia – Queensland and Liberal Party of Australia (Queensland Division) merged to become the Liberal National Party of Queensland.

History

In Queensland, the only state where the Nationals were the dominant coalition partner in state politics after Lawrence Springborg's re-election as party leader, support emerged – especially on the National side – for a merger of coalition parties to address the declining National (rural) vote and Labor domination of all levels of government.

In March 1973, former Prime Minister William McMahon publicly announced his support for a merger.[6] McMahon reiterated his view after Labor won the 1974 election, and Billy Snedden, his successor as leader of the Liberal Party, also stated that he favoured a merger.[7]

During the 1980s, former Nationals MP Peter Nixon reviewed the party and "concluded it should seriously consider amalgamating with the Liberals".[1] Former Nationals leader Doug Anthony wrote not long afterward, "Any objective and rational National Party member who read this report would have to accept that amalgamation was the only realistic course. Regrettably, there are still too many who don't want to read it and who don't want to face reality, that the role of a specialist party looking after the needs of rural people is in decline."[1]

In July 1989, Senator Fred Chaney, the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, stated his tentative support for a merger, but noted that it could not be led by politicians and should come from the grassroots.[8]

At the 2007 federal election, the National Party's vote declined to 5.49 percent, with the party winning only 10 of 150 seats (an all-time low). Only one National seat, the Hinkler in Queensland, was classified by the Australian Electoral Commission as provincial (predominantly rural), compared to four held by the Liberals and 16 by Labor.[1] The election was indicative of declining support for the Nationals. The party's parliamentary representation fell in each of the four Australian elections between 1998 and 2007, and the party's vote in this period never exceeded six percent (compared to an average voting result of 8-11 percent for the Nationals over the previous two decades). The Nationals vote declined further to 4.51% at the 2019 federal election.[9]

References
  1. Steketee, Mike (31 January 2008). "Too many conservatives spoil the amalgamation". NEWS.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 February 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  2. "7.30 Report - 30 May 2006: Coalition parties mull action against Qld merger plan". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  3. "Rising chorus for Coalition merger - National". The Age. 17 December 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  4. "Federal, Qld coalitions unelectable: MP - Breaking News - National - Breaking News". News.smh.com.au. 17 December 2007. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  5. "7.30 Report - 31 January 2006: Liberals should reject McGauran's application: Nationals chief". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 31 January 2006. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  6. "Mr McMahon wanted merger". The Canberra Times. 13 March 1973.
  7. "PARTY MERGER FAVOURED". The Canberra Times. 23 May 1974.
  8. "Liberals and Nationals should look at merger, says Chaney". The Canberra Times. 17 July 1989.
  9. Australian Electoral Commission (2019). "First Preferences by Party - AEC Tally Room". Australian Electoral Commission. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
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