Commonwealth Liberal Party - Definition and Overview

For the modern Australian Liberal Party, see Liberal Party of Australia

The Commonwealth Liberal Party, usually called The Fusion, was a political movement active in Australia shortly after federation. It is sometimes referred to as the Deakinite Liberal Party.

In 1909 Alfred Deakin, the leader of the Protectionist Party, agreed to merge with the Free Trade Party of George Reid to form the CLP. It was defeated by Labor in 1910. Under its new leader, Joseph Cook, it won the 1913 elections, but in 1914 Cook called early elections and was defeated. In 1916 the Liberals merged with the ex-Labor followers of Billy Hughes to form the Nationalist Party of Australia.

Leaders

• Alfred Deakin 1909-1911
• Joseph Cook 1911-16

See also

• Liberalism in Australia