Kellie Sloane Poised to Become Third Woman to Lead a Coalition opposition This Year
Sydney, January 21, 2025 – Mark Speakman has stepped down as leader of the NSW Liberal party, paving the way for Kellie Sloane to become the third woman chosen to lead a Coalition opposition since May. The leadership change comes as the party struggles to define key policies ahead of the NSW election, with just over a year remaining.
Sussan Ley took the federal leadership role after Peter Dutton lost the election, and Jess Wilson was elected leader of the Victorian opposition on Wednesday. Sloane’s potential appointment marks a significant shift for the NSW liberals, but she inherits a party facing internal divisions and policy gaps.
The Coalition has outlined plans to expand the metro network but has yet to provide details on proposed lines or funding mechanisms. Its housing policy remains incomplete, with Speakman having announced potential sites for additional housing - including redevelopments of Long Bay jail and areas near inner-west train stations – but sloane will likely face opposition from local residents in her Vaucluse electorate regarding Labor’s density plans.
Further complicating matters, the NSW Nationals have diverged from the Liberals by abandoning the net zero emissions target by 2050, creating friction on broader environmental issues such as wild horse culling and the boundaries of the Great Koala national park.Sloane faces a steep learning curve in parliamentary tactics and policy development during the upcoming parliamentary break.
