Sussan Ley elected Leader and Ted O’Brien as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party

Sussan Ley MP is the new Leader and Ted O’Brien MP the new Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party.

Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, has welcomed the election of the Hon. Sussan Ley MP as the new Leader and the Ted O’Brien MP as the new Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party following a recent leadership vote in Canberra.

Ms Ley, who had been serving as Acting Leader, also held the role of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the 47th Parliament and carried multiple shadow portfolios, including Women; Industry, Skills and Training; and most notably, Small and Family Business. She was today elected, following strong support from across the party room.

Mr Wallace congratulated Ms Ley on her elevation, commending her years of public service and unwavering advocacy for Fisher, for Australian families, for women, and for small businesses — including during her recent visit to the Sunshine Coast, where she met with local operators and hosted a small business roundtable in the electorate. He also noted the historic significance of her election, as she becomes the first woman to lead the federal Liberal Party in the House of Representatives.

“This is an historic moment for the Party. Sussan has always been a champion for those who run their own business — whether that’s a family-run café, a local tradie, or a manufacturer building Aussie products right here at home,” Mr Wallace said.

“Having been a small business owner myself, I know firsthand the challenges and the immense value these businesses bring to our communities. That’s why backing small business and local manufacturing has always been one of my key priorities for Fisher — and why I’m so pleased to see someone with Sussan’s

experience and passion at the helm of the Liberal Party. Finally, small businesses won’t be forgotten.”

Mr Wallace said Ms Ley’s track record as a policy leader in education and training, as well as her focus on supporting women in the workforce, would be vital to building a stronger economy and preparing Australia’s next generation of workers.

“Sussan understands that when we support small businesses, we support jobs, innovation and opportunity — especially in regional areas like the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the voice of women and small business in Federal Parliament and to fight for the needs of communities like Fisher.”

Mr Wallace also congratulated the Hon. Ted O’Brien MP on his appointment as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. “It’s great to see the Sunshine Coast’s own Ted O’Brien take on this important role. Ted and I have worked together for nine years to deliver better roads and rail for our region. He was instrumental in securing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has been a fierce advocate for a bolder approach to nation-building and for securing affordable energy,” Mr Wallace said.

“I look forward to working alongside Ted in his new role and continuing our shared efforts to deliver for the Sunshine Coast and for all Australians.”

Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP