The website is here: http://www.ldp.org.au/ Have a read of the policies.

If you’d like to meet some members, check the ‘become involved’ link.

I can understand that. I joined the liberal party sometime ago, mainly because:

- It seemed the most natural home for a libertarian
- I was not aware of an alternative
- If I had known about the LDP, I probably would not have joined, as my view was that you need to belong to a major party to make a difference.

While sympathetic to some policies, I’ve come to realise that, by and large, the Libs do not reflect my beliefs. There is not much there that I feel I can be passionate about. I’ve been following “thoughts on freedom” on and off for a few months. I’m not saying that the LDP is for me, but I am interested in learning more.

We don’t necessarily discuss our business here, A De M. This is a public forum.

Nonetheless, we have had a number of disgruntled ex-Liberals join in recent weeks. We think this will increase for the reasons you mention.

We would like to think we can fill any gaps created by a merger between the Nats and Libs, but we are still a small party that very few people have heard of. We have to be realistic.

With the Libs and Libs/Nats looking more and more illiberal, economically and socially, there is a constituency looking for a home. If we do well in the Gippsland by-election, perhaps we will be seen as a viable alternative. (Plug: campaign volunteers and donors now needed.)

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While we are on the topic of smaller parties, I am very interested to hear if the LDP think that there is a unique opportunity at the moment to increase the profile of the party, and in how you plan to position yourself for the future. One might argue that the coalition are more vulnerable than they have been in perhaps a generation. They are facing a number of headwinds that could potentially be exploited:

- The loss of a number of high profile figures, federally and in the NSW branch, and consequent confusion/disunity

– The proposed merger between the Libs/Nats in QLD could potentially provide another distraction. How will core policy for thew new party is carved up between the policies of the previous parties? This could be crucial to how the merger might eventually be rolled out across the nation (if it were to happen). If they were to move to far in the Nat direction, you guys could seriously have some space to exploit, if you were prepared.

- Of course, being in wall-to-wall opposition doesn’t make it any easier…

What do you guys think? Is there a strategy in place? Have I overestimated the size of the chink in the coalitions armour?