The Liberals - A Short History of Liberalism in Victoria and Australia

The Liberals - A Short History of Liberalism in Victoria and Australia is a book published by the Victorian Division of the Party to show the rise and profound influence Liberal parties have had on our history.

This book looks at the influences on the modern Liberal Party, from the Classical Liberalism of the 18th and 19th Centuries, and the debates among Liberals from colonial times about how democratic governments can increase social equality and individual opportunity,  to the era of great liberal reforms since 1970.

This book maps out the major achievements of the Liberal Party of Australia and its forerunners, both prior to and following the Federation of the Australia colonies in 1901.

Special attention is paid to Liberalism in Victoria. As the home of the modern Liberal Party, Victoria has played a key role in helping to shape Liberal politics in Australia. Along with the founder of the Liberal Party, Sir Robert Menzies, Victoria can lay claim to a number of leading liberals, including James Service, Alfred Deakin, Dame Elizabeth Couchman, Henry Bolte, Malcolm Fraser, Dame Margaret Guilfoyle, Dick Hamer, Lindsay Thompson and Jeff Kennett.

To read more about 'The Liberals' click here for an online book.