Why Ordinary Australians Vote LNP

By Denis Hay

Description

Discover why ordinary Australians vote LNP despite policies that often harm them. Learn how to shift the conversation and demand real change.

Introduction: The Promise and the Reality

Picture this: It’s a suburban street in outer Brisbane. The lawn is neatly trimmed, the Holden in the driveway is ten years old but spotless, and the couple inside just watched the 6 pm news. “At least the Coalition keeps things stable,” says retired tradie Bob. “Labor just spends all our taxes.”

This story plays out across thousands of households. Despite stagnant wages, privatised services, rising rents, and job insecurity, many ordinary Australians continue to vote for the Liberal-National Coalition (LNP). But why?

Understanding this paradox requires us to examine the LNP’s political legacy, media influence, cultural narratives, and voter psychology in depth. This article unpacks what the LNP has done, who it benefits, and how Australians can be empowered to make more informed choices.

1. What the LNP Stands For

1.1 The Ideological Core

The Liberal-National Coalition champions economic liberalism: smaller government, deregulation, and privatisation. Under this ideology, prosperity “trickles down” from corporate success to everyday people. It sounds neat on paper, but reality paints a different picture.

John Howard, often credited with shaping modern conservative politics, advocated hard for privatisation and individual responsibility. However, these policies left many without affordable housing, secure jobs, or reliable services.

1.2 Market Before People

Privatising essential services like electricity, aged care, and education has shifted costs onto the public while reducing accountability. The LNP claims this creates efficiency. However, ask aged care residents or students with $50,000 in HECS debts if it feels efficient.

2. What Has the LNP Done for Ordinary Citizens?

2.1 Tangible Benefits (on the surface)

• Family tax benefits and small one-off payments (e.g. energy rebates)
• Infrastructure projects in key electorates
• Business-friendly tax policies that sometimes help small businesses.

These are usually highlighted before elections to show “support” for everyday Australians.

2.2 The Hidden Costs

Yet, a closer look reveals policies that favour the top end of town:

• Tax cuts disproportionately help high-income earners.
• Wage suppression and anti-union laws
• Job casualisation and insecure employment
• Cuts to Medicare, public education, and housing programs
• Aged care failures exposed during the Royal Commission

The LNP often sells these as “fiscal responsibility,” but in a country with monetary sovereignty, austerity is a political choice, not an economic necessity.

3. Why Ordinary Australians Vote for the LNP?

3.1 Media Influence and Misinformation

Rupert Murdoch’s media empire has long championed the Coalition, framing them as strong on the economy and national security. Alternative voices are drowned out. Many voters only hear one version of the story.

3.2 Cultural Identity and Loyalty

For some, voting LNP is about tradition: family history, values, and a belief in stability. Older Australians, especially, recall a time when the LNP seemed to manage the economy well.

3.3 Fear Campaigns Work

From border security to terrorism to “Labor’s debt,” the LNP leverages fear to manipulate voters. It works, especially when people feel economically vulnerable.

3.4 Misunderstanding Public Finances

Many voters believe the government “can’t afford” to spend on services because it would increase the deficit. However, with Australia’s currency sovereignty, the government is not a household. It can create money to serve public needs without relying on tax revenue or borrowing.

4. Have They Improved Our Lives?

4.1 By the Numbers

• Wages have stagnated for over a decade.
• Public housing stock has declined.
• Education and healthcare costs have risen sharply.
• Carbon emissions reduction targets have lagged.

The lived experience of most Australians is one of declining security, not prosperity.

4.2 Real Stories About Why Ordinary Australians Vote LNP

“I’m 42, working two jobs, still renting,” says Lisa, a single mum in Western Sydney. “My dad bought a house on a tradesman’s wage. I can’t even get approved for a mortgage. And my super? Laughable.”

She votes for the LNP because she fears Labor will “destroy the economy.” Yet, her lived reality shows she’s already being left behind.

Adding to this disillusionment are the skeletons in the LNP’s closet—scandals, cover-ups, and questionable deals that too often escape proper scrutiny. From the sports rorts affair, where funding was diverted to electorates for political gain, to the Robodebt disaster that caused immense harm to vulnerable Australians, the list is long.

Reasons why ordinary Australians vote LNP: These issues rarely surface during election campaigns, yet they form the backdrop of the LNP’s governance style: secretive, selective, and often shielded by a media landscape that refuses to hold them accountable.

5. Changing Minds: What Can Be Done?

5.1 Reframe the Economic Narrative

Teach citizens about Australia’s monetary sovereignty. The idea that governments are financially constrained is false. Public money should serve the public good, not corporate profit.

5.2 Highlight Independent and Teal Voices

Show how cross bench MPs like Monique Ryan or Zali Steggall are more aligned with community needs. Promote stories of integrity, action, and local impact.

5.3 Use Local Stories

Connect national issues with local concerns. If a local hospital is understaffed or a school underfunded, link it to policy decisions made in Canberra.

5.4 Break the Media Monopoly

Encourage independent media. Share articles, start community conversations, and write letters to the editors. Amplify grassroots journalism.

Summary: What Kind of Future Do We Want?

So, the reason why ordinary Australians vote LNP are promised security, but they deliver insecurity. It appeals to values but enacts policies that favour profits over people. If Australia wants a fairer future, voters must question what they’ve been told and demand leadership that puts citizens first.

Question for Readers

Have you or someone you know benefited or suffered from LNP policies? What made you change your mind – or what would it take?

Q&A Section

Q1: Is the LNP entirely bad for Australians?

Not necessarily. Some small business owners and wealthier Australians receive help from their tax and deregulation policies. However, for the majority, the long-term effects of LNP policies are damaging.

Q2: What does Australia’s currency sovereignty mean?

It means the federal government issues its own currency and cannot go broke. It can fund public services without needing to “find the money” through taxes or borrowing.

Q3: What can everyday citizens do?

Get informed, support independent candidates, challenge misinformation, and vote thoughtfully.

Q4: Why ordinary Australians vote LNP?

Many vote LNP out of habit, fear, or a sense of cultural loyalty. The LNP is often seen as the party of tradition, stability, and economic competence – especially by older Australians. However, this perception is strongly shaped by media narratives and decades of messaging that paint alternatives as risky or irresponsible. For many, the decision is less about what the LNP delivers and more about what they fear they might lose.

Call to Action

If you found this article insightful, explore more about political reform and Australia’s monetary sovereignty on Social Justice Australia.

Share this article with your community to help drive the conversation toward a more just and equal society.

Click on our “Reader Feedback” menu. Please let us know how our content has inspired you. Submit your testimonial and help shape the conversation today!

Additionally, leave a comment about this article below.

Support Social Justice Australia – Help Keep Our Platform Running

Social Justice Australia is committed to delivering independent, in-depth analysis of critical issues affecting Australians. Unlike corporate-backed media, we rely on our readers to sustain this platform.

If you find value in our content, consider making a small donation to help cover the costs of hosting, maintenance, and continued research. No matter how small, every contribution makes a real difference in keeping this site accessible and ad-free.

💡 Your support helps:

✅ Keep this website running without corporate influence

✅ Fund research and publishing of articles that challenge the status quo

✅ Expand awareness of policies that affect everyday Australians

💰 A one-time or monthly donation ensures Social Justice Australia stays a strong, independent voice.

🔗 Donate Now

Thank you for being part of this movement for change. Your support is truly appreciated!

References:

Reassessing LNP’s Decade in Power

Why We Cannot Afford Another LNP Rule

A complete list of the Liberal Party’s corruption over the last 7 years

Currency Sovereignty: Understanding Australia’s Economy

Resources that might help to understand why ordinary Australians vote for the LNP?

Voter behaviour

Australian Votes in the Making

 

This article was originally published on Social Justice Australia

 

Dear reader, we need your support

Independent sites such as The AIMN provide a platform for public interest journalists. From its humble beginning in January 2013, The AIMN has grown into one of the most trusted and popular independent media organisations.

One of the reasons we have succeeded has been due to the support we receive from our readers through their financial contributions.

With increasing costs to maintain The AIMN, we need this continued support.

Your donation – large or small – to help with the running costs of this site will be greatly appreciated.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969