Sussan Ley Charts New Course for Liberal Party, Vows to Reconnect with Modern Australia
The Liberal Party, reeling from a significant electoral defeat, is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul under the leadership of Sussan Ley, who has signaled a clear departure from previous strategies and a commitment to regaining public trust. Ley, in her first major address to the National Press Club, acknowledged the depth of the party’s loss and outlined a vision for a more inclusive and responsive political force.
The Liberal Party suffered a resounding defeat in the recent federal election, losing significant ground, particularly in metropolitan areas. Ley didn’t shy away from the severity of the outcome, stating bluntly, “we got smashed” and that the party’s platform had been “comprehensively rejected” by voters. This acknowledgement marks a pivotal moment as the party embarks on a period of intense self-reflection and strategic realignment.
Addressing Internal Divisions and Representation of Women
A key focus of the party’s review is its declining representation of women in parliament and the contentious debate surrounding the implementation of quotas. Ley adopted a pragmatic stance on the issue, declaring herself “agnostic” about the method but a “zealot” in achieving improved representation. She issued a firm warning to state branches, stating she would not accept inaction on this front.
“If some state divisions choose to implement quotas, that is fine. If others don’t, that is also fine,” Ley said. “But what is not fine is not having enough women. As the first woman leader of our federal party, let me send the clearest possible message: We need to do better, recruit better, retain better and support better.”
Navigating the Net Zero Dilemma
The future of the Coalition’s energy and emissions reduction policies remains a significant point of contention, particularly regarding the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. A dedicated working group, led by opposition energy spokesman Dan Tehan, has been established to resolve these internal disagreements. The group will also include Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien, opposition resources spokeswoman Susan McDonald, manager of opposition business Alex Hawke, opposition environment spokeswoman Angie Bell, and MPs Dean Smith and Andrew Willcox.
This working group will report directly to both Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud, tasked with developing a policy focused on a “stable” and “affordable” energy grid while simultaneously reducing emissions. The ongoing struggle over climate policy threatens the stability of the Coalition itself, raising the question of whether the two parties can remain united if they cannot reach a consensus on net zero. The Nationals briefly distanced themselves from the Liberal Party after the election loss over the initial refusal to re-endorse nuclear power, highlighting the deep divisions within the Coalition.
A Shift in Tone and a Respect for Public Service
Ley’s address signaled a deliberate shift in tone, notably with an acknowledgement of traditional owners – a departure from her predecessor Peter Dutton’s comments during the election campaign that such acknowledgements were sometimes “overdone.” She also emphasized a renewed respect for the public service, a tacit acknowledgement of the party’s previously unpopular proposal to slash public sector jobs and enforce a return to office mandates – a policy abandoned mid-campaign due to negative public reaction.
“Before entering parliament, I worked at the Australian Tax Office,” Ley recounted. “That role gave me a firsthand understanding of how our tax system works and, often, how it doesn’t… It also reinforced something I learned as the child of an intelligence officer: a deep and abiding respect for the public service. That is part of my story too.”
Prioritizing Defence, Safety, and Modern Challenges
Beyond policy reviews, Ley outlined several key priorities for the term, including increased defence spending in response to growing global instability. She noted the United States’ call for Australia to increase its defence budget to 3.5% of GDP, a significant increase from the current plan. Addressing family violence and child safety was also highlighted as a major concern, with Ley sharing a personal connection to the issue.
Furthermore, Ley addressed emerging challenges posed by tech giants and artificial intelligence, specifically their impact on children. She expressed concern over the “commoditisation of our kids and deep fakes [that] ruin the lives of women.”
Ley concluded her address with a call for a renewed focus on aspiration and a reconnection with the Australian people. She asked to be judged not on immediate polling data, but on the outcome of the 2028 federal election. The Liberal leader’s message was clear: the Coalition must offer an agenda that builds aspiration and rewards aspiration, and that reconnects with Australians.
