Australia Makes History: Sussan Ley's Rise to Power

Australia Makes History: Sussan Ley Becomes First Woman to Lead Liberal Party Australia witnessed a historic moment on May 14, 2025, as Sussan Ley became the first woman to lead the federal Liberal Party. This follows a devastating election result for the party. Ms. Ley, a veteran politician with a diverse background, has served as the Environment Minister, Health and Aged Care Minister, and Sport Minister. She's known for her strong advocacy for rural and regional issues and has been a Member of Parliament for the Farrer electorate for over two decades. Her career has not been without controversy; she resigned from the frontbench in 2017 following a scandal involving the purchase of a luxury Gold Coast apartment while on a taxpayer-funded trip. However, she has positioned herself as a centrist option to lead the party into the future. 'The party needed to reflect a modern Liberal Party, and that appointing her as leader would send a strong signal to the women of Australia,' Ms. Ley stated. Despite past challenges, Ms. Ley's extensive experience and commitment to public service position her to unite the party and navigate the challenges ahead. Her diverse background, including previous careers as an air traffic controller, commercial pilot, and shearer's cook, speaks to her resilience and adaptability. Her leadership marks a significant turning point for the Liberal Party and Australian politics.