Based purely on speculation and anecdotal evidence, I would say it's because Plibercunt has a face everybody knows but doesn't despise (at least in the general public/outside the Liberals). I honestly have no idea what the new Labor leadership will look like, the only real contenders are...
The Libs don't have a majority in the Senate nor will they get one. They'll have to appeal to Labor or the Greenos (yeah right), PUP, LDP, FFP to get anything through the senate.
IT'S HAPPENING LENTERN
Libertarian senator, Clivo Palmo as a member of the house of reps, Toby Arnott as the PM, Mirabella nearly lost her seat, Bradby DID lise his seat. The only thing that could have gone better is if Plibersek lost her seat.
It's because he's an environmentalist. He's seemingly a left-libertard and probably values social shit (like you've said) above economics. He probably couldn't do any of that shit if he wasn't a part of the Greens (he'd be hamstrung by partisan politics).
What are you basing either of these...
So what? There's more than one person in the Liberal party and there are just also bigots on the other side of the Parliament. Some people agree with him, because the Libs do have some thought out policies and reasonings for their positions. Don't simply dismiss people who vote for the Liberal...
http://m.smh.com.au/comment/smh-editorial/australians-deserve-a-government-they-can-trust-20130905-2t7wm.html
LOOK AT THIS FLAGRANT ATTEMPT TO BRAINWASH THE PUBLIC
What is with the Left? "Brainwashing"? "Subverting democracy"? It's almost like that as soon as newspapers start endorsing people you don't like it must be some sinister plan to ~brainwash~ the public, ignoring that it might actually be some sort of accurate reflection of the consumer's opinion...