Sussan Ley is already in the history books! She now becomes the first female leader of the Liberal Party, succeeding Peter Dutton in this historic leadership change. Born in Nigeria and raised in various countries, including the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, Ley brings a diverse background to her new role. Her path to leadership began when she immigrated to Australia as a teenager. Since then, she has established a political career to bring a positive culture to the party and address the deficits in policy outreach to multicultural voters.
In her new role on the party’s multicultural caucus, Ley should figure out why the Liberal Party lost a majority of Australia’s multicultural voters in the last two elections. She is conscious of the sense of alarm expressed by her predecessor, Peter Dutton. In the past, he has linked record migration to increasing housing demand and prices. Ley emphasizes the need for a deeper connection with these communities, stating, “Did we sort of send a message to them in the right way? Maybe. Maybe not. Did we have policy offerings that resonated with them? Probably not.”
The Liberal party needs Ley’s leadership more than ever, as young Australians are increasingly turning away and exhibiting clear signs of discontent and disconnection from the Libs. She pointed out at length that the Democrats are losing a generation of young voters if they aren’t presenting themselves as relevant to those interests and concerns. To fill this void, Ley thinks the party needs to be ready to re-examine its policies and priorities.
“We have to recognize that there have been times in this building where women have not been treated well,” Ley reflected, acknowledging the challenges faced by women in politics. “It was simply perhaps that feeling that you weren’t being taken seriously in a room full of men or that feeling that, if you said something, nobody really paid attention.”
Ley’s migrant experience speaks to her exploration of exclusion. “I felt very different and excluded at school,” she recounted. And yet I have an actual sense, actually, of what that feeling might be. And it’s just not enough for folks to just THINK that way. Her passion for social justice informs her quest that all Australians feel represented in the Labor Party.
Reflecting on her leadership role, Ley stated, “I know I’m the first female leader. I don’t sort of think of myself like that, other than to know that it sends a positive signal to women.” Her rise to the top is a seminal moment for the Liberal Party as it now attempts to rehabilitate itself and become more diverse and representative.
In her time as Chair, Ley has seen positive changes to the party’s culture, but understands that there is still much to be done. She asserted that misogyny isn’t limited to the LP and exists throughout Parliament and other workplaces as well. This recognition is a testament to her passion and dedication for creating a space that welcomes and values everyone’s unique perspectives.
“I don’t say that it was something that was egregious or crossed a line,” she explained regarding her personal experiences of feeling dismissed by male colleagues. “Then when a man said it, suddenly everybody listened.” This overwhelming feeling is a reminder of why it’s crucial to address gender dynamics in political conversation.
As Ley assumes leadership, she is looking beyond the organization to address larger societal injustices. Dutton’s comments about climate change and young people’s disinterest in the party raise critical questions about how the Coalition can appeal to younger generations. “The only way that the Liberals and the Coalition can reach out to young people is by slaying some of their sacred cows,” he remarked.
Ley’s own experiences as a migrant inform her focus on creating an inclusive politics. “I’m a migrant to this country, but I’ve got the great fortune of, you know, looking white with the same language,” she acknowledged, pointing out the different challenges faced by migrants who do not share these advantages.
The leadership change occurs amid a period of deepening discontent among Australians over their party loyalties. Ley is serious about advancing and addressing these intersections. This commitment might just be what the doctor ordered to turn the Liberal Party’s fortunes around as they look to regain trust with voters who feel abandoned.
