Tony Abbott to step down from Advance role when elected Liberal party federal president

Liberal insiders concerned former PM could pull party even further to the right by appointing Advance allies to prominent positions Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Tony Abbott will step down from his role advising the rightwing advocacy group, Advance, as the conservative ideologue prepares for his high-profile role as the Liberal party’s new federal president. Liberal insiders have also shared concerns Abbott is considering Advance’s director, Matthew Sheahan, or Steve Doyle – who runs Whitestone Strategic, the consultancy group that supports its operations – to fill the vacant federal director position, warning it could dismantle what is left of the party’s identity. Since being ousted by the independent MP Zali Steggall at the 2019 federal election, the former prime minister has lent his political nous to a number of rightwing and conservative groups within Australia and around the world. Abbott has sat on Advance’s advisory board since at least January 2023, when the ABC first reported the association. He also holds roles or honorary affiliations with the Institute of Public Affairs and the Ramsa