Australian Liberals and Greens abandon centrist overtures for sharper, confrontational tactics

The 2025 federal election left the Liberals and the Greens with minimal lower-house representation, prompting each to claim a shift toward the centre. Liberal leader Sussan Ley spoke of a party that would reflect modern Australia, and Greens leader Larissa Waters vowed to be "firm but constructive" after a severe seat loss. Seventeen months later, Ley has been ousted and replaced by Angus Taylor, who is championing drastic immigration reductions reminiscent of One Nation's agenda.

In the Greens, Waters stepped down for health reasons, and David Shoebridge took over, openly dismissing incremental reforms and demanding substantial policy change. Both parties now appear to be re-embracing the combative approaches that previously cost them electorally, while Labor's centrist success under Anthony Albanese is being questioned amid rising public demand for clear, decisive action.