Principles

The Conservative Leadership Foundation works to develop an understanding and appreciation for Australia’s founding principles and their practical application in developing the right leadership for our nation.

These four values represent the core beliefs of the CLF and our student body.

Limited Government & The Rule of Law

A state that seeks to provide all things for its people will drain initiative from its citizens and undermine the legitimate authority of other social institutions.

The rightful functions of government are to guarantee individual freedom, property rights, internal order, a strong national defence, and the administration of justice.

The CLF supports the division of responsibilities between state and federal governments as proscribed in Australia’s constitution as the best means of preventing the concentration of power.

The CLF supports the rule of law and its equal application to all citizens regardless of race, creed or colour. A State cannot claim to be operating under the rule of law unless laws are administered fairly, rationally, predictably, consistently and impartially.

Personal Responsibility & Individual Freedom

Personal responsibility is central to the idea of a free society. We believe that each individual is morally responsible for, and should bear responsibility for their actions. The CLF recognises that the most effective form of government is self-government which requires the development in each person of the virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity.

Free Enterprise

The allocation of resources through voluntary agreement between individuals and businesses is the most productive and efficient supplier of human needs and is the economic system most compatible with a free society. In recognising that living generations are stewards of the riches, both natural and cultural, material and spiritual, the CLF acknowledges that the logic of market relations does not exhaust the common good.

Traditional Values

The values, customs, conventions, and norms of the Judeo-Christian tradition are the foundation for western culture and provide the appropriate framework to inform and guide a free society. Without adherence to these enduring structures and an associated rejection of moral relativism, society induces its decay. Central to this is recognition of the importance of the natural family as the best possible institution for the nurturing and development of future generations and its role as the foundation of society.