Sussan Ley’s Commitment to Increasing Female Representation in the Liberal Party
Sussan Ley, the newly appointed leader of the Liberal Party’s opposition, has expressed her strong commitment to elevating the number of women within the party, despite facing challenges regarding the methods to attain this goal. Recent polling indicates a worrying trend, with a decline in female support for the party following the last election.
Ley’s resolve to attract more women is rooted in the belief that the Liberal Party must mirror the diverse makeup of contemporary Australia. She emphasises the need to listen, stay true to party values, and work tirelessly for all Australians, acknowledging that representation of women is a crucial part of this process. As she prepares to step into her role opposite the Prime Minister, she notes the stark reality of only five Liberal women accompanying her, serving as a powerful motivator to take action.
In light of discussions surrounding gender quotas, Ley has downplayed claims of discord within the party about the issue, although notable figures like former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and leadership rival Angus Taylor have raised concerns that quotas clash with the party’s core beliefs. Ley maintains that while she is not committed to a specific strategy for increasing female candidates, she is passionate about ensuring progress happens.
She has welcomed various methods for achieving this goal while highlighting that the structure of the Liberal Party allows state divisions autonomy in their pre-selection processes. Ley calls for open discussions on the pathways to enhancing female representation, insisting that consensus on its necessity exists among party members.
She has also pointed out that the men in the Liberal Party are allies in advocating for greater inclusion of women. Ley’s election as the first female leader of the Liberal Party marks a significant milestone, and she acknowledges the decline of female voters who historically supported the party, stating that significant efforts are needed to reverse this trend.
Reflecting on her journey since entering Parliament in 2001, Ley noted that women once voted for the Liberals in greater numbers than any other party, a striking contrast to the current situation that needs urgent redress. With her leadership, she aims to reinvigorate the party’s appeal among women and transform its future dynamics by fostering a more inclusive environment.