For the first time in its history, Australia’s Liberals has appointed a woman as its leader—Sussan Ley—who will replace Peter Dutton following the party’s significant defeat in the recent federal election.
Ley, considered a moderate within the party, narrowly defeat conservative candidate Angus Taylor by four votes in the leadership race. The election, held on May 3, resulted in what many describe as the worst defeat for the Liberal-National coalition, currently in opposition.
Commentators and lawmakers have attributed the coalition’s downfall to divisive leadership, a chaotic campaign, and hardline “Trump-style” policies that especially alienated women and younger voters.
Ley’s leadership begins as Anthony Albanese is formally sworn in as Prime Minister after the Labor Party’s overwhelming victory. According to the media, Labor secured at least 93 seats—gaining 16 more than before—while the Coalition’s numbers dropped from 58 to 42, with a few results still pending.
Representing the large rural seat of Farrer in New South Wales since 2001, Ley has held various senior cabinet roles and was Dutton’s deputy prior to this leadership change. Queensland MP Ted O’Brien, formerly responsible for promoting the Coalition’s divisive nuclear energy policy, has been appointed her deputy.
In her first remarks as leader, Ley emphasized the need to rebuild the party’s connection with Australians—especially the women and youth who feel left out.
“We must ensure the Liberal Party respects, reflects, and represents modern Australia. We have to engage with people where they are,” she said.
She promised a full review of the party’s election performance and policy platform, including its stance on nuclear energy and climate targets, and vowed to bring a new approach to leadership.
“There will be no top-down decisions. Every policy will be thoroughly discussed, and we’ll make sure to listen to all viewpoints,” she said.
Following his loss, Taylor congratulated Ley, calling it a historic achievement and urging party unity.
Meanwhile, the Nationals—Liberal’s coalition partner—re-elected David Littleproud as their leader on Monday, defeating a challenge from a more hardline conservative.
Prime Minister Albanese also finalized his new cabinet, which includes significant changes: Tanya Plibersek moves from environment to social services, and Michelle Rowland shifts to become Attorney General. Former Attorney General Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic, Australia’s first Muslim federal minister, were removed from cabinet.
Albanese defended his selections, saying he had appointed the best people for the job.
Ley has a diverse background. Born in Nigeria to British parents and raised in the UAE before moving to Australia at 13, she says her early experiences taught her resilience. She even changed her name from Susan to Sussan after discovering numerology, believing it would lead to an exciting life.
Her professional journey includes raising three children while earning degrees in economics and accounting, becoming a licensed pilot, and working in the outback.
First elected in 2001, she became Health Minister under Malcolm Turnbull but stepped down in 2016 amid an expenses controversy involving a taxpayer-funded trip during which she purchased a Gold Coast apartment. She later returned to cabinet in 2019 under Scott Morrison, serving as Environment Minister.
During that time, she faced legal action from a group claiming the government had a duty to protect children from climate change—a landmark case that was later overturned.
Ley has also been involved in Palestinian advocacy, having co-chaired a parliamentary group supporting Palestinian voices. However, colleague Andrew Wallace said after her election that she had more recently shown stronger support for Israel.
