Liberal leader Sussan Ley poses for a portrait at Parliament House. Source: AAP Image
Photo by
MICK TSIKAS
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has made history after being elected as the first woman to lead the Liberal Party.
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Her election came after the coalition’s landslide loss at the recent election, leaving the Liberal Party to reflect on what needs to change to ensure future success.
The representation of women in and by the party has been a major topic, especially since Ms Ley stepped into the leadership role.
Ms Ley noted in her first speech as leader that “the number of women supporting (the Libs) is declining”.
Former member for Murray (now known as Nicholls) and long-time Liberal Party member Sharman Stone said although she was happy for Ms Ley, more women were needed in the party.
“I think it is very exciting for Sussan. It’s always difficult contesting the prime minister but Sussan will, I think, work extraordinarily hard,” she said.
“We’ve now got more women in parliament itself. Not so much, unfortunately, in the Libs but in Labor, Independents, Greens and so on — that is a very good thing.
“We must get women engaged and the changes that we need in the Liberal Party (require) a lot of listening to women and men; otherwise it’s going to be a very long time before Sussan or anyone else gets back into the business.”
Former member for Murray Sharman Stone is happy to see more women in parliament.
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Jay Bryce
This year, women accounted for 35.9 per cent of all candidates for seats in the House of Representatives, down by 2.2 per cent compared to 2022.
However, the number of women elected to the House of Representatives has risen by eight percentage points following the election.
Including the Senate, women now make up a record-breaking 49.6 per cent of parliament, holding 112 of the 226 seats.
Despite the encouraging numbers, Dr Stone said more women should continue standing for parliament.
“The most wonderful brilliant women ... they’re often talking to me very seriously about concerns that haven’t been dealt with by the parliament and I say, well, have you thought about moving forward?” she said.
“I think it’s very important and if you’re interested, make sure that you step forward —whichever party it is — you should put your hand up and consider being in the business.”
With Ms Ley now leading the Liberals, Dr Stone added that she hoped Ms Ley would create positive change for rural and regional areas.
“I’m hoping that Sussan, who is in a big rural and regional electorate a bit like Nicholls, will really make sure agribusiness gets a go,” she said.
“So Sussan, go for it, really do the best you can, and hopefully that will make for a better outcome for our parts of the world.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed his new cabinet, with women holding over half of the positions.
Meanwhile, the Liberals have remained tight-lipped about their shadow cabinet, with Ms Ley set to announce it some time this week.
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