Australia's Liberals Discuss Gender Quotas After Election Losses

Following a significant election defeat, Australia's Liberal Party is facing mounting internal pressure to address its ongoing gender imbalance, with several senior figures and state leaders openly considering the adoption of gender quotas for candidate preselection. WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas has stated he is prepared to prioritize gender balance, even if it means implementing 50:50 quotas, a position echoed by former Senate Leader Simon Birmingham, who argues that quotas are now necessary for the party to reconnect with modern Australian society. Critics within the party acknowledge that previous voluntary targets for female representation have failed, and there is growing recognition that more decisive action is needed to improve inclusivity and relevance, particularly among women and metropolitan voters. Traditional resistance to quotas, rooted in the party's values, is being questioned in light of repeated electoral setbacks and an increasingly narrow membership base. Some party elders, such as Andrew Wallace, remain uncomfortable with quotas, insisting that merit should guide candidate selection, but others argue that without substantial change, the party risks further alienation. The debate marks a pivotal moment for the Liberals as they seek to rebuild and modernize their appeal.