CPAC Insider

By Anthony Ma - 2026 CPAC Global Explorer Australia, like the United States, has three separate but co-equal branches of government; the legislature, executive and judiciary. Though the finer details differ greatly between our countries, the fundamental purpose is to provide interlocking systems of accountability that prevent abuses of power. Accountability through the judiciary arises only when it is independent. Australia safeguards independence robustly through non-partisan appointment processes and a strong culture of keeping the judiciary free of politics. This has produced a judiciary that for decades was the most conservative in the common law world, deferring to the will of the elected legislature so as not to legislate from the bench while still enforcing constitutional red lines.

By Brodie Taylor - 2026 CPAC Global Explorer The message coming from the CPAC stage was consistent - unite. Not conform, this is the movement of free speech after all, but recognise that fighting each other only hands victory to our opponents. With the 2026 US Midterms fast approaching, the Republican Party and its supporters need to be match-fit to keep control of Congress. However, parts of the MAGA and conservative movements have slipped into bitter infighting. This stems from differing opinions on the administration's decisions, like the Iran conflict, but also a very personal fight between leading online influencers in the conservative sphere. Some of that infighting was on display on the main stage. Josh Hammer essentially made it the topic of his speech, taking swipes at Matt Gaetz and other parts of the right. However, far more speakers focused on unity. Matt Gaetz being one of them

By Ingrid Kay - 2026 CPAC Global Explorer From the sports games, passionate performances of the national anthem, or frequent sightings of the American flag hoisted in the sky, it has so far been highlighted how Americans, more specifically Texans, love their country. Even amongst diversity in age, race, or gender, it is evident how the patriotic spirit is at the core of American culture. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is yet another testament to America’s national pride, with the building being dedicated to capturing important historical events throughout President Bush’s term [2001-2009], the accomplishments of his Government, and the political environment of the early 21st century. Additionally, the museum provides an exact replica of the Oval Office, with furnishings and decor reflecting those displayed during the President’s term. Outdoors, the Texas Rose Garden, which is a third of the size of the White House Rose Garden, holds the future burial place for Mr and Mrs Bush.

Standing inside The Sixth Floor Museum you experience the weight of history rather than only learning about it. Observing the precise route where John F. Kennedy was killed, I was struck not only by the tragedy but also by what it symbolises: a time when political separation became irreversible.

The United States has no shortage of sporting legends. A culture of outdoorsmanship and rugged competitive individualism has created a broad spectrum of sporting achievement resulting in Olympic domination and custodianship of the largest and most valuable sport teams in the world.

In 1893, Boston man Greenlief W. Simpson led a group of investors in purchasing the Fort Worth Union Stock Yards. As the company grew its connections across the country, it too reached overseas and supported the war effort, becoming the world’s largest livestock market.

The Global Explorers happened to end up at what must have been the best match of the NBA season on Tuesday night. The Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors battled it out with a match tied almost all the way through, neither team taking a strong lead, right until the end of the game where the Golden State Warr

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.