Saturday, March 29, 2025
Coalition Climate Stance Reconsidered: Sussan Ley has been elected as the first female leader of the Liberal Party. She has opened the door to revisiting the Coalition’s net zero emissions targets, while ensuring a cooperative approach on climate policy.
Ley narrowly defeated Angus Taylor, securing leadership with 29 votes to 25. Ted O’Brien, a key advocate for nuclear energy, became the new deputy leader.
Ley confirmed that the Coalition would review all policies following its electoral defeat. This includes the nuclear energy plan under former leader Peter Dutton. While she said no policies had been dropped, Ley emphasized that climate wars would not return, pledging instead for clear consultation.
“There won’t be a climate war. There will be sound and sensible consultation, and I undertake 100% to do that,” she said in her first press conference.
Ley echoed Dutton’s stances on several issues, such as the symbolic importance of the national flag and her views on Indigenous welcome to country ceremonies. She also addressed the October 7 attacks, which changed her stance on Israel and Palestine, although she remained committed to Palestinian civilian rights.
She criticized Labor’s foreign policy, accusing the Albanese government of failing Jewish Australians and damaging national social cohesion.
Ley’s leadership marks a historic moment as the most senior woman in the party’s 80-year history. She pledged to boost female representation without endorsing quotas. Instead, she advocated for merit-based appointments. She also promised to modernize the Liberal Party’s economic narrative and provide more opportunities for women in politics.
Ley’s leadership brings experience and a unique personal background, including her work in various sectors and her time as a punk rock enthusiast.
While Ley defeated Taylor for the leadership, Taylor and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price pledged unity.
“We must do better and we must unify … I will contribute the best way I can,” Taylor said in his statement.
