When considering whether or not Malcolm Turnbull & Tony Abbott are true blue Liberal you need to drill down to the meaning of 'liberal' - the following is courtesy of dictionary.com:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal
"lib·er·al [lib-er-uhl, lib-ruhl] adjective
1. favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs. 2. ( often initial capital letter ) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform. 3. of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism. 4. favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, especially as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties. 5. favoring or permitting freedom of action, especially with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers."
A quick evaluation of Tony Abbott vs Malcolm Turnbull based on each of these points is revealing:
Point 1: Turnbull is much more favourable to progress / reform. Point 2: Turnbull has been a fierce advocate for progressive reforms [eg. environment, constitution]. Abbott has a very strong record of blocking almost every progressive reform he encounters. Point 3: Turnbull is a strong advocate for progressive reform. Abbott is certainly not. Point 4: Being in accord with individual freedom & civil liberties is Turnbull to the core. In contrast Abbott backed military intervention in aboriginal communities & supports mandatory detention for refugees. Point 5: Turnbull revels in such matters - as in support for the arts etc. Abbott's support is for dissident writers who support his views & condemn others.
Synonyms: These sound like Turnbull to me.
Antonyms: Abbott to a tee.
So there we have it. By definition Turnbull qualifies as truly liberal since he ticks all the boxes - as a member of the Liberal Party he is therefore a True Blue Liberal, through & through.
In contrast Abbott simply does not reflect the definition of 'liberal'. In my opinion he is a reactionary politician who simply does not have liberal characteristics.
In conclusion, the Liberal Party under Tony Abbott's leadership CANNOT be liberal & should rename itself asap to reflect its reality - Australia's Reactionary Party.
