The Battle for the Center-Right: Perth's CPAC Reveals Liberal Party's Bid to Reclaim Leadership

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) made its debut in Western Australia on Friday evening, but what emerged was not a unified conservative front. Instead, the event, dubbed "Reset the West", revealed the Liberal party's attempt to rebuild the center-right with itself at the core.

Prominent Liberal figures such as Andrew Hastie, Basil Zempilas, and Warren Mundine were among the guests at the conference, speaking of "the lost Australians" – a clear reference to the party's efforts to reconnect with its traditional base.

The absence of One Nation, a right-wing populist party, on the CPAC stage was notable, suggesting the Liberals' desire to position themselves as the dominant force on the center-right. "This is a rallying call for conservatives to work together," said one attendee, highlighting the party's strategic move to consolidate its grip on the conservative movement.

The conference's focus on immigration and housing underscores the Liberals' efforts to address key concerns among their traditional supporters, who have felt left behind in recent years.

"The Liberal party is trying to reclaim the center-right narrative and present itself as the true champion of conservative values," observed a political analyst. "This CPAC event is a clear indication of their strategy to rebuild their base and position themselves as the go-to party for disaffected Australians."

As the political landscape continues to shift, the Liberals' move to assert their dominance on the center-right will be closely watched by both their supporters and opponents. The battle for the hearts and minds of conservative voters is on, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of Australian politics.