Liberal Party, Australian

Political party established in 1944 by Robert Menzies in opposition to the Australian Labor Party, and derived from the former United Australia Party. It held power 1949–72 and 1975–83, but was then in opposition until 1996, when, under the leadership of John Howard, it formed a coalition government with the National Party. Howard has since retained the premiership as the Liberal–National Party coalition won successive elections in 1998, 2001, and 2004.