She’s back! Julie Bishop says new candidates key to Liberal Party’s future

Julie Bishop has urged more West Australians to put their hands up for a career in politics after an internal Liberal review identified candidate selection as a priority in the party’s long road to recovery.

The review of the March election defeat has not been released publicly, but made 78 recommendations.

Top of the list was an appeal for “properly structure and disciplined campaign planning” for 2029 to “start now”, including policy development and candidate selection.

At a business event in Perth, Ms Bishop said the Federal and State election results showed voters crave stability.

“It’s fair to say that the Australian people made a judgement with the last election, the results are there. You can’t argue against the popular opinion,” the former Foreign Minister said.

She refused to comment on the Liberal party’s autopsy or its future, but did say “quality” candidates are needed on both sides of politics.

“I encourage all people who have an interest, a passion in being part of the public discourse, to consider entering politics,” Ms Bishop said.

“We need quality candidates, passionate people in politics and I would certainly encourage that.”

A series of scandals surrounding candidates put then-Liberal Leader Libby Mettam on the back foot several times during the March campaign, forcing her to field questions about historic social media posts.

Darren Spackman was forced to resign as the party’s candidate for Kimberley over controversial comments about youth crime.

New Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said vetting is an “inexact science”, but vowed that the party’s stocks have already improved.

“Everywhere I go people are genuinely interested in what the life of an MP is like,” he said.

“And they’re asking, many of them, because they have some interest in it. I’m greatly encouraged by what I’ve seen in the first seven months.

“I think we’re well served and I think we will be eve better served by the new crop of people coming through from a Liberal point of view.

“Clearly we needed a reset. That reset is well and truly underway.”

The internal review, carried out by former State Opposition Leader Liza Harvey and former Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman, also called on the Liberals to be “bold” and to “aggressively” counter Labor’s attacks.

It backed Ms Mettam’s previous suggestion that candidates should be used to build a “shadow government” and comment on local issues.

“Risk can be mitigated with training, mentorship and learned experience,” the report said.

“Empower candidates in target seats, with enhanced support, professional campaign tools and tailored policy messages.”

The report also warned that party headquarters and the Opposition Leader’s office “must combine” and should work from the same physical office after claims the relationship has previously been fraught.

“Define, in writing, clear roles and responsibilities that are agreed, written down and communicated, preventing duplication and turf wars,” the recommendations said.

“Create a single campaign command structure . . . reducing confusion and conflict.”