Here’s a shocking truth: the Liberal Party is facing a potential crisis as prominent women abandon ship, fearing a voter backlash over the ousting of their first female leader. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a step backward for gender equality, or a necessary shake-up? Let’s dive in.
Just days after Sussan Ley lost her leadership position, high-profile figure Charlotte Mortlock announced her departure from the party and her resignation as executive director of Hilma’s Network, a grassroots group she founded to unite like-minded Liberal women. Mortlock, a former staffer to Andrew Bragg, had been a vocal advocate for progressive climate policies and gender quotas, pushing for a 50% female representation within the party. Her exit raises questions about the party’s commitment to inclusivity and progress.
And this is the part most people miss—Mortlock’s departure isn’t just symbolic. It’s a stark reminder of the growing disillusionment among Liberal women. In her statement, she expressed pride in Hilma’s Network’s achievements, including supporting women through preselections and hosting events that challenged the party to evolve. Yet, she concluded, ‘Due to recent events, I’ve decided there are other ways I can support women and Australia.’
Mortlock was also part of a small group that proposed a gender quota for the New South Wales Liberal executive, aiming to reserve 40% of federal seats for women-only preselections. This proposal, slated for the state council meeting on March 7, was reportedly dropped from the agenda—a move that has left many questioning the party’s priorities.
With Ley’s departure from parliament, the numbers are stark: only five of the 27 MPs in the Liberal party room will be women. The 2022 election review, co-authored by new deputy leader Jane Hume, highlighted the party’s failure to address female voters’ concerns and recommended a 50% target for female candidates. But is a target enough, or do we need binding quotas? This question divides opinions and invites debate.
One anonymous Liberal woman summed it up bluntly: ‘The boys are back in charge.’ She pointed out that the party failed to address key issues like women’s rights, the environment, and integrity between 2022 and 2025. Another added, ‘I think the feminist faction are pretty down in the dumps.’ While Ley’s leadership had its challenges, many feel she wasn’t given a fair chance.
Former Liberal cabinet minister Karen Andrews warned of a potential public backlash, suggesting female supporters may feel Ley was unfairly treated. Yet, she acknowledged that Ley had sufficient time to prove herself. Andrews remains hopeful that Hume, as co-author of the 2022 review, understands the party’s issues with female voters. But will this be enough to restore confidence?
Hume called Mortlock’s departure ‘a really sad moment,’ praising her contributions and voice for Liberal-minded women. She emphasized the need to demonstrate that the Liberal Party is a place for Australian women. But here’s the question we can’t ignore: Is the party doing enough to back up these words with actions?
As we reflect on these developments, it’s clear that the Liberal Party is at a crossroads. Will they rise to the challenge of inclusivity and progress, or risk further alienation? What do you think? Is the party moving in the right direction, or is this a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
