What does liberalism mean today?
Liberalism is one of the most influential — and contested — political philosophies of the modern age. But what does it actually mean in contemporary Australia? Is it a philosophy of individual freedom and limited government? A cultural attitude toward diversity and change? Or has it become something else entirely? A panel of practitioners and philosophers, current politicians and historical scholars explores liberalism as a set of political and cultural ideas, as a practical governing philosophy and as the ideological foundation of one of Australia's major political parties. Presented at the Malcolm Fraser Symposium by the Trinity College, University of Melbourne. Speakers David Kemp Former minister for education in the Howard government, author of The Land of Dreams, a history of liberal and democratic ideas in Australia Sarah Henderson Liberal Senator for Victoria; former Shadow Minister for Education and Communications Alexandre Lefebvre Professor of politics and philosophy, University of Sydney. Author of the book Liberalism as a Way of Life James Paterson Liberal Senator for Victoria and Shadow Minister for Finance, Government Services and the Public Service
February 16, 2026
54 min
174 of 248
February 16, 2026
What does liberalism mean today?
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Progressive Liberal Party Episodes Around February 16, 2026
Episode 174 of 248 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
What does liberalism mean today?
Summary
<p>Liberalism is one of the most influential — and contested — political philosophies of the modern age. But what does it actually mean in contemporary Australia? Is it a philosophy of individual freedom and limited government? A cultural attitude toward diversity and change? Or has it become something else entirely? A panel of practitioners and philosophers, current politicians and historical scholars explores liberalism as a set of political and cultural ideas, as a practical governing philosophy and as the ideological foundation of one of Australia's major political parties.</p><p>Presented at the Malcolm Fraser Symposium by the <a href="https://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/">Trinity College</a>, University of Melbourne.</p><p>Speakers</p><p><a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=BT4">David Kemp</a>Former minister for education in the Howard government, author of The Land of Dreams, a history of liberal and democratic ideas in Australia</p><p><a href="https://sarahhenderson.com.au/">Sarah Henderson</a>Liberal Senator for Victoria; former Shadow Minister for Education and Communications</p><p><a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/alex-lefebvre.html">Alexandre Lefebvre</a>Professor of politics and philosophy, University of Sydney. Author of the book Liberalism as a Way of Life</p><p><a href="https://www.liberal.org.au/team/james-paterson">James Paterson</a>Liberal Senator for Victoria and Shadow Minister for Finance, Government Services and the Public Service</p>