Liberal Party’s Women’s Advocate Resigns, Attempt to Resolve Issues Ends

The resignation of Charlotte Mortlock marks a significant shift within the Liberal Party’s approach to women’s representation. Mortlock, who founded Hilma’s Network, stepped down shortly after Sussan Ley was removed as the first female leader of the party. Her announcement comes amid ongoing internal conflicts regarding gender quotas and representation.

Key Developments in the Liberal Party

Charlotte Mortlock established Hilma’s Network four years ago to enhance female representation in the Liberal Party. This initiative was launched after the party’s disappointing performance in the 2022 elections. The network aimed to create a supportive environment for women within the political landscape.

Resignation Details

• Mortlock stepped down as executive director of Hilma’s Network.
• She has resigned from the Liberal Party entirely.
• This decision follows Sussan Ley’s dismissal as leader after a tumultuous nine-month tenure.

In a statement, Mortlock expressed her commitment to supporting women and improving conditions in Australia through other avenues. She noted, “Due to recent events, I have decided there are other ways I can support women and Australia.”

Party Dynamics and Gender Representation

The fallout from Ley’s removal reflects deeper issues within the Liberal Party. Ley faced challenges that included claims of a lack of support from her colleagues. Recent internal discussions among party members have highlighted the dissatisfaction with the current leadership dynamics.

Most party members have cited Ley’s performance as the reason for her ousting. However, supporters contend that gender biases influenced the decision-making process. The Liberal Party has consistently struggled to attract women voters, illustrating the need for enhanced representation.

Quotas Proposal and Internal Conflict

The conversation around gender quotas remains contentious. Mortlock had worked with other women in the party to draft proposals that included:

• Implementing a 40% gender target for women MPs.
• Ensuring half of the candidates in preselection contests are women.
• Reserving 40% of seats in New South Wales for women candidates.

Despite these efforts, the New South Wales branch of the Liberal Party recently abandoned discussions on gender quotas, demonstrating the internal resistance to change. Some members argue that the focus should be on merit rather than imposed quotas.

Future of Hilma’s Network

Erin Watson has been appointed as the new chief executive of Hilma’s Network. Watson aims to continue the organization’s mission of promoting women’s involvement in politics. The board expressed profound gratitude to Mortlock for her vision in founding the network and supporting women within the Liberal Party.

The Liberal Party’s goal of reaching a 50% female representation goal remains unfulfilled, with current statistics showing only about a third of its members are women. As the party navigates these changes, the need for strategic improvements in gender representation becomes increasingly evident.