The Liberal Party of Australia is grappling with a longstanding debate over the implementation of quotas for women, a discussion that has persisted for three decades. The party can be sure of criticism if it fails to meet its own non-binding goal. Yet, only one third of its elected Members of Parliament (MPs) are women, although the goal established post-2022 election was 50 percent females. The new move comes as the party is set to experience a historic drop in the number of women. In the process, industry stakeholders and outside actors are doubling down on demands for great reform.
Under the settlement reached last year, the Liberal Party now has the fewest number of women in its caucus ranks ever. Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has called on his party’s members to consider options other than the default to inertia. It is this lack of diversity that has fueled his demand for change. In his documentary, he maintains that critics of quotas need to present workable alternatives or they will look like they’re just happy with the current status quo, dominated by males.
Ongoing Debate and Resistance
For years the opposition to gender quotas has served as a rallying point for philosophical and cultural divides still alive and well inside the Liberal Party. Party members publicly lament how these unpopular quotas damage their meritocratic brand. Advocates argue that this continued place-based discrimination maintains existing systemic disparities.
Turnbull highlighted that “the issue of gender quotas is the one philosophical and cultural mountain that the Liberal Party has never been prepared to climb.” He further emphasized the need for alternatives, stating, “Those who oppose quotas need to explain what their alternative is, otherwise people will reasonably conclude they are quite happy with the male dominated status quo.”
By comparison, some of the other bipartisan co-chairs have urged for faster action. Maria Kovacic, a prominent advocate for mandated quota systems, argued that “we must address the persistent and systemic under-representation of women in our party.” She argues that rapid, temporary implementation of quotas is not only needed but timely to address structural imbalances.
Angus Taylor argues that solutions like mentoring and recruitment drives are better than introducing quotas. His position reflects the depth of feeling among some party members. They believe that developing talent this way yields better outcomes than rigid quotas.
Voices from Within the Party
The battle inside the Liberal Party about introducing quotas is more than just an ideological dispute. Environmental critics such as Tanya Plibersek have called out the perceived hypocrisy in the party’s position. “They’ve got a quota of National Party MPs that have to be on the frontbench,” she noted, questioning why similar measures for women are not embraced.
She added, “So they’re happy to have quotas for National Party MPs. It’s just quotas for women that they’re not prepared to use.” Comments like these bring into sharp relief the idea that the party’s arguments against women’s quotas are disingenuous and lacking in credibility.
Ley has emerged as a passionate campaigner for greater representation of women inside the party. Her leadership is under attack from right-wing extremists who would shame her for being “woke.” This label speaks to larger societal anxieties around the idea of gender equity in the political arena.
Implications for Future Elections
This internal tug of war has deep consequences. The Liberal Party has been desperately scrambling to shore up support among women. Observers argue that Peter Dutton’s recent actions may have contributed to the party’s declining appeal among this demographic. As the tides shift politically, it is crucial that the Liberal Party ensure that gender representation is a priority.
Turnbull’s claim that “vibes aren’t voting for women” points to a schism between what’s often practiced and what the voter wants. The Labor Party, invoking diversity as a political weapon, flaunts having 56 percent female representation among its MPs. In sharp relief, the Liberal Party is still reeling in this regard.
