75 years ago, the NSW Division of the Liberal Party was formed by ordinary men and women from across the state, gathering at a hall in the middle of Sydney, to fight for the principles of individual freedoms, free enterprise and equality of opportunity.
The Liberal Party brought together the United Australia, Liberal Democratic, Commonwealth and Democratic Parties, to form the most successful political force in post-war Australia.
Since winning its first by-election in Ryde in 1945, the NSW Liberal Party has been responsible for the introduction of important reforms that we take for granted today, such as the introduction of consumer laws, legal aid and compensation for victims of violent crime, critical road safety measures, the Senior’s Card and the abolition of compulsory retirement, pensioner medical and free medicines service, the Disability Services Act to guarantee the rights of all disabled people as well as the establishment of the Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Council for the Arts.
Through it all, Liberal Governments have advocated responsible economic policies and successfully fought to remove restrictions on small businesses and develop policies to help them compete, as well as protect homeowners, and ensure orderly migration.
NSW Division State President, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO, said “while our office-bearers and parliamentary representatives have changed, the underlying values of the Liberal Party are rock solid.”
“Our mission is simple – to safeguard people’s rights and freedoms, protect them from unwarranted government intrusion, and maximise opportunities for individuals to better themselves through initiative and enterprise.
“Economic and social progress has always relied on the Liberal Party, and our passion for the principles of sound government has kept us strong and secure.
“Just as our state is the engine of the Australian economy, the NSW Division is the engine of the Liberal Party. After all, more than half of Australia’s Liberal Prime Ministers, including the last four, have been Members of the NSW Division.”
The Division’s 75th anniversary will be marked with the launch of a website dedicated to the history of the NSW Liberal Party, as well as social media content – nsw.liberal.org.au/75-Years.
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