Formed in 1943 after the collapse of the United Australia Party.
Interesting links with the Institute of Public Affairs, formed at the same time.
Was ‘wet’ (Keynesian) until 80s, then went full neo-liberal from the late 80s (see Paul Kelly’s The End of Certainty.)
Held federal government through four elections (1996, 1998, 2001, 2004).
Has had bloody history of late with leadership contests and counter-contests, but that is par for the course in Australia these days.
marchudson.net 