Sussan Ley: Australia's First Female Liberal Leader Faces Her Biggest Challenge Yet

Sussan Ley: A Profile of Australia's First Female Liberal Leader Australia witnessed history 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. Ley, a veteran politician with over two decades of experience, has represented the regional New South Wales electorate of Farrer since 2001. She has served as the Environment Minister, Health Minister, and Sport Minister, showcasing a diverse range of experience. However, Ley's career hasn't been without controversy. In 2017, she resigned from the frontbench after a scandal involving the purchase of a luxury Gold Coast apartment while on a taxpayer-funded trip. Despite this, Ley has continued to be a prominent figure in Australian politics, known for her strong advocacy for rural issues. In her campaign for leadership, she positioned herself as a centrist option, stating that the party needed to 'reflect a modern Liberal Party' and that appointing her would send a strong signal to Australian women. The video concludes with commentary on the significant challenge Ley faces in uniting the Liberal Party after their recent electoral defeat. 'Australian women were let down and people were not inspired by their policy,' the presenter concludes, highlighting the political landscape Ley now faces.