The Liberal Party found itself thoroughly thrashed during the last election, a situation which they brought upon themselves.

They had no real policies. They were generally ‘Labor-lite’ in many areas, especially on social issues. They abandoned their no-Net Zero stance and with it, their constituency. They didn’t even have charisma with Morrison as leader.

The Labor Party, similarly, had few policies. None of them were clarified, explained, or costed. Instead, they had a supportive media. Although their leader in Anthony Albanese was a liability, Labor were certainly no worse off with him than the Liberals were with Morrison. They also had the advantage that Scott Morrison was shown to be untrustworthy on policy.

Labor won the most seats through preferences, but with roughly 32 per cent of the electorate voting for them as a primary selection; they have no mandate from the populace.

Some commentators are already complaining that Labor lied, or did not tell the electorate what they had planned if they won. Is this any different to any other party during an election campaign, except for those that know they have no chance of ever taking over the government benches?

Labor is now outlining what they really intend to do with their three years of power and the right-leaning media are whining like spoilt children.

Get over it.

Labor is on the government benches and will create havoc and probably remain as the government for a long time unless the Liberals get their act together and show the electorate that they will fight for what they stand for, something sadly lacking over the previous two governments. Labor also has the support of state governments, even Liberal NSW is ‘Labor-lite’.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has to drag his party towards their original roots with policies that are still favoured by the electorate but neglected by politicians and party hacks. The Liberal party has to establish what it believes in and then follow through, opposing, whenever required, Labor policies and legislation that does not fit in with those Liberal policies.

To do this, he has to have support from a front bench that can speak with authority in their shadow portfolios and show that they are fit to take over the government benches.

Forget past glories. They have all been squandered. It has to be a new beginning because there is nothing to build on.

The National Party has to be included here, as they are a potential electoral force, even if they still insist that they will be subordinate to the Liberals in any coalition. I suggest that this difference, between the cities and rural constituencies, should be scrapped. It is not applicable in today’s world, although National candidates seem to be more attuned to the concerns of their constituents.

The centre-right parties should not try and pander to pressure blocks from big business and financial institutions. Many of these have already thrown their lot in with Labor, for their own economic benefit, rather than any political reason. This group will change with the weather. They should instead pander to Australians, ordinary Australians, the people who actually vote. Good solid policies will resonate with business, especially small and medium businesses that do not have ready access to senior politicians but which create the wealth of the nation and employ the bulk of the electorate.

Lastly, many of the independents are more Liberal than Labor. These should be courted, not because any party they may develop is a threat, but because independents are often representative of their electorates and most of these can still be favourable to Liberals.

The Liberal Party, at both federal and state levels, has a long way to go before it can be considered as a potential government, even a strong opposition, anywhere.

The only saving grace for the Liberals is that Labor has abandoned their original base as well.