Conservative politics and conservatism in Australia are in dire straits. And conservatives, being, well … conservative, are in no position to fix it.

To mount a rescue mission would require them to go against their nature and become radicals, for it takes energy to build a revival. They would also need significant business interests coughing up cash to support a professionally-run ideological resurgence.

Seven consecutive election losses from the pair of parties representing conservatives is not a sign that things are in order, or even alive.

That these parties continue to make the same mistake, time and again, and are insisting on making...