Liberal party grapples with gender disparity as frontbencher introduces a new solution to replace quotas | Liberal party

Liberal frontbencher Melissa McIntosh suggests considering gender-balanced candidate pools as an alternative to quotas, following a meeting with nearly 100 women discussing gender diversity in the opposition. Despite growing support for quotas among party insiders in New South Wales, significant reform to match Labor’s longstanding rules is expected to take years. McIntosh, the shadow women’s minister, urges a nuanced discussion on quotas, advocating for cultural change as a prerequisite for structural changes. She suggests examining leadership pipelines and mentorship initiatives to enhance gender balance. Participants in the meeting expressed majority support for quotas, though a model for change is yet to be determined. The NSW Young Liberals have also endorsed a candidate pool model, differing from the hesitation shown by some senior party members. The implementation of quotas, requiring constitutional changes, is not anticipated before the 2027 state election. The debate includes differing views, with some advocating for more immediate action, including temporary quotas with a sunset clause.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/04/liberal-party-frontbencher-melissa-mcintosh-proposes-alternative-to-quotas-for-women