Sussan Ley, the Leader of the Opposition, is grappling with significant challenges following a recent reshuffle that demoted key figures within her party. Ley’s decision to move Sarah Henderson and Jane Hume from their prominent roles to the backbench has ignited discontent among former frontbenchers and raised questions about her leadership authority. The Liberal Party’s electoral performance was a disaster. Now, under Ley’s leadership, they’re looking for a new path.
This is a bold move from Ley, leaving Henderson in position as the opposition’s education spokeswoman to hold the portfolio from the backbench. This is indeed a decision that has made waves. In the same way, Jane Hume, arguably the highest-profile appointed minister in finance the country has ever had, now looks set to return to the backbench. The new rules have stoked anger and discord in the GOP. This frustration is particularly acute at the level of those who view themselves as competent, qualified leaders-to-be.
The reshuffle hasn’t been the only trouble for Ley. Among former frontbenchers, discontent is gathered with even harsher tongues, wondering about her judgment, capacity and competence to lead a fractious majority without real democratic engagement. Andrew Hastie, a colleague of Ley’s, has openly expressed his feelings of being outside the collective discipline expected within the party. Hastie recently sent a newsletter to his supporters criticizing a government motion, which may further undermine Ley’s leadership and unity within the ranks.
On top of this internal dissent, Ley’s leadership is overshadowed by her predecessor Peter Dutton’s legacy. Dutton’s term brought threats of huge cuts to the Canberra-based public service. This has resulted in long-term distrust between public servants. James Paterson, the shadow minister for the public service, is now regrettably more concerned with re-establishing goodwill with public servants. This is in addition to several past attacks on their credibility under Ley’s administration.
In spite of the uphill battle, there are still yeas within the party seeking an alternative path. Actions to support his statements Paterson has often highlighted his reverence for public servants and the sacrifices they make in their service to democracy. He stated, “I have great respect for public servants, and I recognise the significant contributions they make to our democracy.” He further reflected on the consequences of Dutton’s policies, acknowledging that “promising significant cuts to the size of the APS or changing the way public servants work from home was poorly received.”
Henderson’s sentiments are illustrative of the growing frustration among many party members about the lack of female leadership within the party. She expressed regret that “a number of high-performing Liberal women have been overlooked or demoted” in the recent reshuffle. This criticism points to a deeper divide brewing in the party as it continues to deal with growing pains stemming from calls for inclusivity and representation.
Jane Hume, even with her demotion, saw the bright side of landing on the government’s backbench. And she wrote about what it was like to be on the backbench. Beyond that, it is amazingly freeing to just be able to speak freely and not have to adhere to the party line or the talking points, she said. This statement suggests that while there may be discontent with Ley’s leadership choices, some members are seeking to adapt and find their voices outside of frontbench constraints.
As grassroots discontent continues to boil over, Ley’s leadership will face the ultimate test. Some groups are not happy at all. This dilemma casts doubt on her capability to govern firmly and impose order as her forerunner, Dutton did. Despite Ley’s impressive accomplishments, critics contend that she does not have the ability to bring her caucus together as challenges rise in increasing complexity.
Hastie’s strong message to his constituents came immediately after the government moved a motion not to debate this issue. He continued: “This motion — moved and supported by my division of Canning — captures rising sentiment among mainstream Australians over their ballooning energy bills, chaotic supply and lose our national sovereignty. In calling attention to these concerns, Hastie is establishing himself as an advocate for constituents’ interests, but directly undermining Ley’s top-down, leader-driven culture.
The political seas continue to be choppy for Ley, as she continues to sail through inclement waters of discontent and dissent even in her own party’s ranks. The reshuffle put in place entirely new people to fill their roles. It has simultaneously created a culture where authority is questioned, and solidarity is thin. Conflicting opinions about Ley’s decision-making is just one of the lingering hurdles Ley will face as she works to strengthen her leadership.
