May I begin by thanking so many of you who contacted me about last week’s letter. The number of messages in reply set a new record and whilst I simply cannot respond personally to every email, be assured I have read every single one.
With some exceptions, the consistent theme was a sense of disappointment and disenchantment with politics and the Liberal Party.
However, what’s done is done and cannot be undone. The question for the political aficionado is what to do now?
Whilst it is easy to walk away, conservatives simply cannot vacate the public square. Our voice is needed now more than ever to ensure the customs, traditions and conventions that have built our civilisation are protected for future generations.
But how best do we do that?
Political engagement is a critical part of the process – both within the formal party structures and through external organisations. But we must also engage the vast majority of the community who are not politically minded.
We need to remind them that the decisions of politicians have a real impact on their lives and we have to show them how they can make a difference in that decision making.
It’s not an easy task but it’s one more of us must turn our mind to.
Over the past six years, I have sought to work with and develop our future leaders through my Conservative Leadership Foundation. It’s been a labour of love and it’s having an impact, recently taking a giant step in the right direction.
A few months ago, the Foundation secured a permanent home to implement its programs, giving young conservatives a place to develop their leadership skills.
They are now in the process of refurbishing the building to provide training rooms, a conference facility, media studio and office facilities for the team.
It is the next step in building a stronger and more effective conservative movement in Australia.
Of course these plans come at a significant cost and this is where you can make an immediate difference.
Your financial support for the Conservative Leadership Foundation will help them complete ‘Conservative HQ’ for the benefit of all Australian conservatives.
You can learn more about the Conservative Leadership Foundation and make your contribution by clicking here.
Every contribution will go directly to the goal of building a stronger and more effective conservative movement.
Cory Bernardi is the author of seven books and has been a member of the Australian rowing team, a publican, an investment portfolio manager and spent nearly 14 years as an Australian Senator.
