Kellie Sloane and Sussan Ley rallied the Liberal Party faithful. Mark Speakman wasn’t among them

Liberal Women Take the Stage at NSW Conference

Kellie Sloane and Sussan Ley made a historic joint appearance at the New South Wales Liberal Party conference on Saturday. Both politicians, key female figures in the party, addressed members in a united call to strengthen the Liberal movement and modernize its appeal to voters.

Rallying the Party Members

In her speech, Kellie Sloane highlighted the importance of “renewal and connection,” emphasizing that the party must better reflect the communities it seeks to represent. Sussan Ley echoed this message, urging members to “stand firm on our values while moving forward with clarity and purpose.”

The event served as an important morale boost for the state branch following internal debates and challenging election results. Delegates responded positively, with renewed confidence in the party’s female leadership voices.

Mark Speakman’s Absence

Noticeably missing from the gathering was NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman. His absence raised questions within the party, as key supporters had expected him to participate in the conference. Some attendees viewed the absence as a missed opportunity for unity at a critical time.

A Moment for Party Reflection

The conference underscored a growing trend within the NSW Liberals: women taking an increasingly visible leadership role. Both Sloane and Ley encouraged members to stay optimistic, underscoring that the future of the party relies on inclusiveness and adaptability.

“We can’t expect Australians to trust us if we don’t listen to them,” Sloane told the audience, receiving strong applause.

Their speeches were seen not only as a call to action but also as an assertion of leadership direction for the party heading into the next electoral cycle.

Author Summary: Kellie Sloane and Sussan Ley energized NSW Liberals with a message of renewal and inclusiveness, while Mark Speakman’s absence highlighted internal divisions within the party.

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The Sydney Morning Herald The Sydney Morning Herald — 2025-11-28

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