Liberals go back to basics after crawling to year's end

"We have to be there for the most vulnerable," Liberal leader Sussan Ley has told party faithful. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's economy is being wrenched back into the spotlight as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley attempts to leave behind the coalition's infighting and return to first principles.

Since the Liberals' federal election thrashing, the party has been plagued by chaos.