Work

Liberalism as a Way of Political Life: The Case of George Brandis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The lawyer, politician, and diplomat George Brandis was the leading intellectual representative of moderate or “small‐l” liberalism in the contemporary Liberal Party. He criticised John Howard for an ad hoc balancing of liberalism and conservatism. Brandis believed the Liberal Party necessarily included conservatives, but to him their role was to be a modest break on liberal progress rather than the advocates of a coherent alternative to liberalism. This article examines Brandis' political thought and practice and considers how his understandings of freedom, order, and progress changed in his journey from party activist to a Cabinet minister responsible for anti‐terrorism, judicial appointments, and discrimination law.

Source: Australian Journal of Politics & History

DOI: 10.1111/ajph.70019

Author: Geoffrey Robinson

Institution: Deakin University

Language: English

Topic: Commonwealth, Australian Politics and Federalism

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900