Sussan Ley has certainly and boldly hit the ground running as the new leader of the Liberal Party. She displayed that fierce leadership spirit at a recent press roundtable. As the new parliament opens its first session, she faces an uphill battle. Her overarching aim should be moulding her party’s offensive lines on foreign and defence policy. Ley intends to be positive and solutions-oriented, but hold the government’s feet to the fire. She doesn’t want to fall into what she describes as “doom and gloom.”
Governor-General Sam Mostyn will ceremonially open the new parliament on Tuesday. Next week will be a significant moment—in more ways than one—for Ley and her party. After a messy election, new PM Anthony Albanese has artfully called the new parliament. He’s expected to deliver on Labor’s election commitment to relieve 20 percent of student debt.
Ley’s first few weeks on the job have certainly received much fanfare, though as she gets herself ready for her upcoming trials and tribulations. She will need to be smart in picking the Coalition’s targets, while making sure that her messaging is consistent and targeted. The threat from right-wing media outlets further complicates this picture, as they too stand waiting for any mistake that will expose her to an anti-leadership crusade.
Further to Ley’s performance, Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien’s performance could be key. To further bolster his team, he has recently brought on board Steven Hamilton, a young but very experienced economist. He understands it’ll take a strong response to the cocky and well-armed Jim Chalmers, the sitting Treasurer. O’Brien must quickly establish himself in his role to effectively counter Chalmers’ initiatives.
Ley’s skill at steering around any political landmines will be key, particularly with federal by-elections due soon that could further threaten her precarious leadership. There are three possible outcomes: the court may confirm the current result, overturn it in favor of Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian, or order a fresh election. A defeat in the re-run of a new election would put Ley’s job at risk and threaten her already shaky hold on power.
We know that the political landscape is changing in profound ways, particularly as the nation’s representation is diversifying. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has at least doubled its representation by electing four senators. In the middle of all this Larissa Waters has been elected the new leader of the Greens. Waters has voiced Ley’s concerns on continuing a positive tone while ensuring the Administration is held accountable.
As Ley tests her leadership style, she should enjoy the freedom of concern for her own party’s course while becoming more aware of mounting challenges. Angus Taylor, who narrowly lost the leadership ballot, still harbors ambitions within the party and may play a role in shaping future strategies.
The next few weeks are make or break for Sussan Ley. While continuing to consolidate her base, she must play the delicate game of balancing the harmful and tense realities of opposition politics. With smart, ambitious strategy and the right political comms, she can chart a course that holds industry accountable while opening the door to productive engagement.
