Liberals’ Gender Issues Unresolved as Key Member Resigns

The recent resignation of Charlotte Mortlock, the founder of Hilma’s Network, has intensified the discussions surrounding gender issues within the Liberal Party. Mortlock stepped down just two days after the party’s federal members ousted Sussan Ley, the first woman to lead the party, in a significant leadership shakeup.

Liberal Party Leadership Changes

Charlotte Mortlock declared her resignation from the Liberal Party and her role as executive director of Hilma’s Network, a platform she initiated four years ago to enhance female representation in the party. Her decision comes after the New South Wales branch opted out of a vote on gender quotas mere days earlier, which she had advocated for alongside other female members.

The Context of Resignation

• Sussan Ley, the ousted leader, faced challenges during her tenure, marked by internal disunity.
• The leadership coup saw Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor, among others, actively seeking leadership roles.
• Taylor won the leadership ballot decisively, with the final vote tally at 34 to 17.

Mortlock expressed her belief that recent events highlighted the need for better support for women in politics. In her statement, she mentioned, “Due to recent events, I have decided there are other ways I can support women and Australia.”

Gender Representation Concerns

The Liberal Party continues to grapple with significant gender representation challenges. Currently, only one-third of its members of parliament (MPs) are women, despite an established commitment to achieving a 50% female representation target. As of now, there are six women in the lower house, which will decrease to five with Ley’s departure, along with 11 Liberal women in the upper house.

Proposals for Improvement

• Mortlock and five other Liberal women proposed establishing a 40% gender target for women MPs and ensuring half of preselection candidates are women.
• A vote on this proposal was removed from the upcoming state council meeting agenda, primarily due to concerns over potential debates ahead of the state election.

Discussions about gender quotas have become divisive within the Liberals. While Ley previously considered the idea, Taylor criticized the notion, favoring mentorship and recruitment instead. This reflects the ongoing reluctance within the party to embrace policies perceived as identity politics.

Future of Hilma’s Network

Despite her resignation, Mortlock is optimistic about the future of Hilma’s Network. She noted, “I am proud of everything the network has achieved and the women candidates it has supported.” Erin Watson, the network’s Victorian representative, will succeed her as chief executive, pledging to continue efforts to enhance female representation within the party.

The leadership changes and Mortlock’s resignation may signify a broader reckoning regarding gender issues within the Liberal Party, challenging them to enhance female representation more vigorously in the coming years.