“State parties are actively working to distinguish themselves from their federal counterparts,” she remarked.
“This situation is causing significant challenges for state Liberal parties as they strive to distance themselves from the federal Liberal Party,” she added.
Prior to her election in Kew in 2022, Wilson served as a consultant at KPMG, one of the ‘big four’ accounting firms, and held a position with the Business Council of Australia.
Jess Wilson has made history as the first female to lead the Victorian Liberal Party. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett
Her predecessor, Brad Battin, had pledged a “tougher on crime and smarter on justice” approach than Labor. However, this stance faced challenges following Premier Jacinta Allan’s announcement of a new policy that allows for the possibility of sentencing children as young as 14 to life imprisonment.
The leader she replaced, Brad Battin, had promised to be “tougher on crime and smarter on justice” than Labor, a stance that became less tenable after Premier Jacinta Allan announced a new policy that could see children as young as 14 sentenced to life in prison.
A poll released the same day as the leadership spill showed the Coalition under Battin narrowly led the Victorian Labor Party 51-49, according to Freshwater polling.
Kellie Sloane defends yacht photo
“If that’s the worst they can come off with, I think it’s a good start,” she said.
Newly elected NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane joined deputy leader Natalie Ward outside the party room on Friday. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi
Williams said Sloane’s background as a journalist and broadcaster makes her an effective communicator.
“It’s a really, really tough ask.”
