Share this @internewscast.com
A day after the Coalition reunited following an eight-day Liberal–Nationals split and the unveiling of a new shadow ministry, Opposition leader Sussan Ley has sought to differentiate her leadership style from that of her predecessor, Peter Dutton
“I said we would do things differently and I would bring a fresh approach,” the Opposition leader told ABC News Breakfast on Thursday.
“I intend to be very consultative, very approachable, and to listen carefully, not just to my colleagues in the party room … But listening to the Australian people, not lecturing from the top down, listening from the ground up.

“It’s tough times for many Australians out there. We got a tough message from them at the last election, and we need to approach communities that we seek to represent with humility.”

Back together again: a new Coalition deal after eight days apart image

Why are there fewer women in the shadow ministry?

Ley unveiled the Coalition’s new front bench on Wednesday, making several changes in the shadow ministry.
While Ley is the Opposition’s first female leader, the number of women in the cabinet has decreased compared to the previous term.
When questioned on this, Ley said 40 per cent of her cabinet is “made up of women”.
“The party is led by a woman. When we make the calls that we need to, I will be at the table for every single one of those big calls,” she told the ABC.
There are 15 men and eight women in the new shadow cabinet, and 19 men and 11 women across the wider ministry. Peter Dutton’s final shadow cabinet included 11 women and 12 men, and his wider ministry had 17 men and 13 women overall.

Jane Hume, former finance spokesperson, is one of the women who lost their role in the new Coalition cabinet.

Ley said Hume’s demotion was not related to this policy.
“This isn’t about who is sitting at what table and what role they have. It’s broader than that … It’s about every one of the 54 members of our party room having a role to play,” she said.

“This is about putting the best team on the field and respecting Jane’s talents … The communication skills of so many of my team mean that they will feature prominently across the debate and carry that argument and that advocacy forward.”

‘Last week was a messy week’

Former National Party leader Michael McCormack, who had been advocating for the reunification of the Coalition, said the parties “shouldn’t have split in the first place.”
“Last week was a messy week … It looked messy and people out in voter land must have looked and thought, what on earth are those people doing, naval-gazing, talking about themselves?” he told ABC News Breakfast.
“The Liberals and Nationals have been very good, very, very good for decades, and it was madness that we separated, but it’s taken a week, we’re back together, and thankfully that is so.”

Asked if Nationals leader David Littleproud had “misled the party room”, McCormack said: “We weren’t told everything that went on between Sussan Ley and David [Littleproud], … That was, I suppose, a thing that David chose to do,” he said.

The former party leader, who had previously criticised Littleproud’s handling of the split, acknowledged that he approached Ley for the reunification.
When questioned about whether he had been punished for this by not being offered any frontbench positions, he said, “you have to ask David Littleproud about that”.
Littleproud has previously denied claims of vengeance, pointing out his plans on “generational change”.
In response to a question on whether he will lead the party again, McCormack said: “You never say never.”

“I’m not going to draw a line through my name because that would be silly, but it’s up to the party room … If it comes to pass that the party decides that I’m the one to lead them again in the future, so be it.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Murujuga Rock Art Receives UN Endorsement for World Heritage Status

A significant Indigenous rock art collection in Western Australia has gained recognition…
Multiple cars hit during high-speed police chase across Melbourne freeways

Several Vehicles Struck in High-Speed Police Pursuit on Melbourne Highways

Authorities have apprehended a suspect accused of seizing a van and initiating…
A Qantas A380 aircraft passes Gate 20 at The Beach, Mascot on the perimiter of Sydney Airport. Qantas.

Qantas Cyberattack Impact More Severe Than Initially Publicized to Customers

Exclusive: Some Qantas customers have learned that more of their personal information…
Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand.

The Complex Guidelines Senior Drivers Must Follow

A fatal car accident in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old driver yesterday has…
Woollahra railway station was canned during construction , but could now be revived as part of a housing plan.

Revitalization Plan May Restore Defunct Sydney Train Station for Residential Use

One of Sydney’s most well-heeled suburbs could get a new train station,…

Antisemitism Envoy Addresses Concerns Over Controversial Definition in New Plan

Australia’s special envoy to address antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has rejected criticism regarding…
Air India plane crash site

Engine Fuel Switches Set to ‘CUT OFF’ in Fatal Air India Crash, Report Indicates

The London-bound plane had barely left the runway at Ahmedabad airport before…
Detective reveals fresh details about missing backpacker's rescue

Investigator Shares New Information on the Rescue of Missing Backpacker

German backpacker Carolina Wilga was lost in the Western Australian outback for…
Ukrainian intelligence officer 'assassinated' in broad daylight

Ukrainian Intelligence Agent Killed in Daylight Attack

A Ukrainian Security Service officer was shot dead in Kyiv overnight Australia…
Sarah Witty didn't plan to run in the federal election. Then she toppled a political giant

Sarah Witty Unintentionally Entered the Federal Race and Defeated a Major Political Figure

Recently returning from a three-day Canberra immersion, newly elected Melbourne MP Sarah…

Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Children Waiting for Medical Care Near Gaza Clinic, Reports Aid Organization

This story contains graphic content that may be distressing for some readers.…

Donald Trump Selects Former Sydney Councillor Nick Adams for Ambassador Position

United States President Donald Trump has nominated Australian‑born conservative commentator Nick Adams…