The aftermath of the 2025 federal election has seen Australian politics shift towards a more female-represented environment. This follows two record-breaking announcements of a majority female cabinet and the appointment of the first female opposition leader.
This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his national cabinet which is 55 per cent female. Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes said history was made in the last term with 11 out of 23 cabinet ministers being women and that the Labor Party has built on that progress in their second term.
“Women make up 57 per cent of the government, and this time 12 out of 23 cabinet ministers are women,” Ms Byrnes’ said.
“That’s more than half of the most senior decision-makers in the country shaping policy, driving change, and leading across every portfolio.”
Ms Byrnes applauded the progress that has been made but acknowledged that there is further work to be done.
“When women are in the room where decisions are made, we get policies that better reflect the realities of everyday life especially for women, children, and families,” Ms Byrnes’ said.
“Labor have taken big strides, but there’s always more we can do.
“Female representation in parliament matters because it changes the conversation and leads to better, more inclusive policies.”
Following Albanese’s announcement of his cabinet, the Liberal Party elected Sussan Ley as leader of the opposition, taking over from Peter Dutton. Ms Ley is the first woman to lead the Australian Liberal Party, and she has acknowledged the need for greater female representation.
“I want to say right here and now, we need more women in our party,” Ms Ley said.
“We need more women in our party organisation, we need more women in this party room.”
Ms Ley said the Liberal Party and their policies disappointed women throughout their election campaign but she is confident that this can be rectified with new leadership and a new agenda.
“It does send a signal to the women of Australia that the Liberal Party has elected its first woman leader, but my agenda is about much more than that,” Ms Ley said.
“Of course, it is about reconnecting with women and listening to where we went wrong but when you develop a cohesive, consultative party room process it includes a range of views and I know I can lead that effectively and well.”
The majority female cabinet and election of the first woman to lead the opposition both set precedent for female representation in Parliament.