CPAC Insider

There's a lot riding on the next chapter for Australian conservatism. CPAC Australia is proud to back Angus Taylor, Matt Canavan and Pauline Hanson as leaders who reflect genuine conservative values.  These are people we can move forward with. Ultimately, it is up to every Australian voter to decide who earns their trust at the ballot box, which is how it should be. Our hope is that all conservative parties will find common ground, work together, and keep their eyes on what matters most: Australia's future.

There comes a moment when leadership is tested not by what is said, but by what has been tolerated. What happened at Bondi was not an isolated act of hatred. It was the point at which two years of weak messaging from our leadership finally met reality. A line has now been drawn in the sand at Bondi, not by politicians, but by the Australian community that has witnessed an escalation in antisemitism while those in a position to strongly condemn it, looked away. Since the October 7 attacks, Australia has experienced an unprecedented wave of antisemitic incidents. Some have been horrifying and impossible to ignore, synagogues attacked, bombs planted, and now a mass-casualty attack at a public Jewish gathering. But alongside these devastating events, have been relentless smaller acts of bigotry and hatred: threats, intimidation, abuse, vandalism, and harassment. Thousands of incidents which have become part of daily life for Jewish Australians. This did not happen in a vacuum. In the weeks and months after October 7, large pro-Palestinian marches were allowed to proceed where language crossed from protest into incitement. At the Sydney Opera House, just days after the massacre in Israel, crowds were heard chanting “where’s the Jews” and “gas the Jews”. Police were present, yet the protesters were allowed to continue with little condemnation from our Federal government and no consequences. Australia already has laws against incitement and hate speech. But in the face of public slogans like “f* the Jews” they were not enforced. They were not enforced when people held up signs that accused Zionists of being neo-Nazis, and when there were calls for a “global intifada”. They were not enforced when over 600 Jewish creatives and academics were doxxed, they were not enforced on university campuses when activists entered lecture theatres chanting “Jews not allowed”, and they were not enforced when a Jewish academic was accosted in his office, verbally attacked and accused of being “guilty of genocide". Instead our leaders contented themselves with carefully balanced statements that antisemitism has “no place in Australia”, while avoiding the harder task of calling out specific behaviour and specific movements. We’ve seen something similar play out during COVID. Black Lives Matter marches were rubber-stamped during lockdowns, while other protests were shut down with force. The unspoken message is clear - some causes would be indulged, and others suppressed. The same indulgence has been evident here. Even acknowledgement of a Palestinian State, coming as it did at a crucial and sensitive moment during peace talk negotiations - whatever the diplomatic intent - was received by some as a political signal, a licence to attack at a time when antisemitic intimidation was already well underway. Words matter, silence also matters, but courage matters most. Anthony Albanese, Penny Wong, Tony Burke, and the entire Labor government have failed us through a woeful lack of courage. Bondi has now forced a reckoning. It should mark the end of us accepting glib statements from mealy-mouthed politicians and the beginning of decisive action. You love your country, make your voice heard... loudly! It's time to take back what it means to be "Australian" from those who wish to destroy it.  Yours in liberty, Andrew Cooper Founder & National Director CPAC . network Engage. Unite. Act.

We’re wrapping up 2025 with an unforgettable night in Melbourne. The CPAC National Christmas Party is locked in for Thursday 27 November, and we’re pleased to confirm our keynote speakers: Leader of the Nationals in the Senate Bridget McKenzie, Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House Bev McArthur MLC and CPAC favourite Moira Deeming MLC. VIP Dinner with Sen. Bridget McKenzie, Bev McArthur MLC & Moira Deeming MLC A small group of guests will also have the chance to attend an exclusive Platinum Dinner Experience following the main event. Limited places available. Secure yours when booking. Date: Thursday 27 November Time: 6:00pm arrival for 6:30pm start Venue: Palace Cinema Como, Level 1, 299 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC Tickets: $60 general admission | $30 for CPAC members VIP: 🍽️ $1,000 Platinum Experience Dinner with Sen. Bridget McKenzie, Bev McArthur MLC & Moira Deeming MLC We hope you can join us! Yours in liberty, Andrew Cooper Founder & National Director CPAC . network Engage. Unite. Act.

We’re excited to add a second CPAC Christmas party to the calendar — this time in the heart of the Brisbane CBD. And the night just got even bigger. Barnaby Joyce will be joined on stage by none other than Pauline Hanson for a one-night-only appearance. Two of the most recognisable conservative voices in the country, live and unfiltered. With everything going on right now, this is your chance to hear what they both have to say — firsthand. Date: Saturday 22 November Time: 6:30pm Location: Elizabeth Picture Theatre, 175 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City QLD 4000 Tickets: $60 general admission | $30 for CPAC members VIP: $1,000 Platinum Experience Dinner with Barnaby and Pauline After the main event, a small group of guests will also have the chance to attend a Platinum What will they discuss? Be a fly on the wall. Spaces will be limited for both the main event and the VIP dinner — and we’d love to see you there. Yours in liberty, Andrew Cooper Founder & National Director CPAC . network Engage. Unite. Act.

Whether you joined us in person or cheered us on from afar - thank you . CPAC Australia 2025 was an incredible weekend of bold ideas, fearless speakers and real conversations about the future of our country. From the opening keynote to the final standing ovation, this year’s conference showed what happens when Australians come together to stand up for liberty, opportunity and common sense. Our mission remains clear: Engage. Unite. Act. And with your support, that’s exactly what we’re doing.

This is it. We’re in the final hours to secure your Golden Ticket or Platinum Experience for CPAC Australia 2025, and I don’t want you to miss out. Ticket sales for these premium options close midday this Thursday.  Watch this quick message from CPAC Chairman Warren Mundine AO - he says it best:

There’s no doubt CPAC is famous for its headline speakers and big ideas. But ask anyone who’s been before, and they’ll tell you some of the best moments happen after the sessions end. That’s why we’ve gone all-in on this year’s social line-up . Freedom and Hope Gala Dinner Saturday 20 Sept @7pm A glamorous evening of music, connection, and inspiration, headlined by Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union. Enjoy a champagne arrival, performances by Dominic Frisby and Mick Harrington , and a room full of liberty-loving Australians. You’ll also be part of our fundraising auction , supporting the work of CPAC across Australia. Dress: Cocktail / Black Tie Matt Schlapp has been at the heart of the conservative movement in the United States for decades. President Trump even credited Matt with giving him the idea to run again . Watch the clip here: Trump thanks Matt Schlapp CPAC Afterparty Sunday 21 Sept from 6pm For the first time ever, we’re hosting an official Afterparty to wrap up the weekend. Join us for live music from The Ambassadors, comedy by Leo Kearse , and plenty of cold drinks at Livewire Bar , right downstairs from the conference. Dress: Whatever you wore to the last session. Or not. We won’t judge!

The Rt. Hon. Liz Truss has stood on CPAC stages around the world – from Hungary to the USA to Australia – and now she’s coming back to Brisbane with a clear message: it’s time for conservatives to unite and act. "Australia is a very important country. Unfortunately, it's currently under socialist rule. I'm coming to CPAC to work with other conservatives to turn it around - and to make Australia great again."

CPAC Australia is sending winners of our annual Shark Bite competition on an expenses paid trip to visit CPAC USA in Dallas, Texas from March 25-28. WHO CAN APPLY? You must be: 1. Aged 18-25 (as at March of 2026) 2. Hold a valid Australian Passport 3. Able to attend for the entirety of CPAC USA from March 25-28 HOW TO ENTER? Ensure first that you're a member of Club CPAC - you can join for FREE as a student HERE Create a short video (60 seconds max) explaining why you should join us at CPAC USA 2026 Compose a written message supporting your video of up to 300 words Email your submission to events@cpac.network APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 - DON'T MISS OUT! 

We’re honoured to welcome The Hon. Tony Abbott AC , former Prime Minister of Australia, to the CPAC Australia 2025 speaker lineup. From repealing costly green taxes to launching Operation Sovereign Borders and delivering free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea, Abbott reshaped Australia's direction on the economy, national security and global engagement, delivering bold reform with unwavering conviction. His return to the CPAC stage this September is set to be a major highlight. Learn more about Tony Abbott His appearance rounds out an extraordinary lineup including Liz Truss , Dan Wootton , Dominic Frisby , Leo Kearse , Jack Posobiec Jacinta Nampijinpa Price , Ted O’Brien , and many more. Tickets are selling fast. Join us for what will be a landmark event.

We’re pleased to announce that Matt Schlapp , Chairman of the American Conservative Union, and the driving force behind CPAC USA, is returning to CPAC Australia 2025. Matt is one of the most influential conservative figures in the United States - the man behind the movement that helped reshape Republican politics. In fact, President Donald Trump credits Matt with giving him the idea to run for president . Watch the clip He’s bold, unapologetic and laser-focused on defending freedom. If you’ve seen him live before, you know you’re in for a powerful session. If you haven’t then this is the year to change that! Secure your place.