Liberalism as a Way of Political Life: The Case of George Brandis

Abstract

The lawyer, politician, and diplomat George Brandis was the leading intellectual representative of moderate or “small-l” liberalism in the contemporary Liberal Party. He criticised John Howard for an ad hoc balancing of liberalism and conservatism. Brandis believed the Liberal Party necessarily included conservatives, but to him their role was to be a modest break on liberal progress rather than the advocates of a coherent alternative to liberalism. This article examines Brandis' political thought and practice and considers how his understandings of freedom, order, and progress changed in his journey from party activist to a Cabinet minister responsible for anti-terrorism, judicial appointments, and discrimination law.