To someone who’s actually going to be in the room: Queensland LNP Senator Paul Scarr, who sits with the Liberals. Paul Scarr, good morning to you. Will Angus Taylor become your new leader today?
Senator Scarr
I think it’s going to be a very close vote. What I’d say is this: whoever is the Leader after the meeting we have at eight o’clock Brisbane time, the party needs to stand behind them, be united, and focus on the job Queenslanders expect us to do—holding the current Labor Government to account and developing a suite of policies that are in the best interests of all Australians.
Host
You’ve been characterised as a backer of Sussan Ley. Does she still enjoy your support to continue as Leader?
Senator Scarr
Well, you say I’ve been characterised as a backer of Sussan Ley. I am a backer of Sussan Ley. I’ve said that publicly on a number of occasions, Craig. I think Sussan took on the leadership as our first female Opposition Leader, and the first woman to lead the Liberal Party, following a devastating election result last year. She’s done everything expected of her. She has had to deal with some very difficult situations in terms of navigating Coalition issues with our National Party friends.
We developed an energy policy that has been released and the party is behind it. I was absolutely inspired by her reaction to the Bondi terrorist attack, and I saw firsthand how she stood shoulder to shoulder with our friends in the Jewish Australian community at their most difficult hour. She has my support. And we must remember: it’s only nine months since the federal election, and the party still hasn’t released its federal election review. I think she deserves a fair go.
Host
Has she been given a fair chance?
Senator Scarr
She’s had some very difficult circumstances to deal with, and from what I’ve seen at close hand, she’s handled those with grace, dignity and good humour. That’s why she’s earned my loyalty.
Host
Does that mean you’re working the phones for Sussan Ley right now, before that meeting starts in less than an hour?
Senator Scarr
It’s really Sussan who reaches out to colleagues to get their support. My colleagues know my position. Obviously, if any colleagues wish to discuss these matters, I give them my view—just as I’m giving my view to your listeners.
Host
Getting rid of the first female leader of the Liberal Party is not a good look. What does it say to other women in the party?
Senator Scarr
The point I’ve made is that if Sussan does lose the leadership today, the Labor Party and the Greens will certainly try to weaponise the fact that our first woman leader has lost that position in less than 12 months. I have no doubt our political opponents will use it, and we’ve got to face that reality. Which is why, whatever happens today, we must be united behind whoever the Opposition Leader is at lunchtime.
Host
Queensland Senator Paul Scarr with you this morning on 612 ABC Brisbane. He’s an LNP Senator—that means he’ll be in the Liberal Party room meeting in less than an hour. With your backing of Sussan Ley, could that come at a political cost for you, Paul Scarr? Would it put you on the outer with a new leader should it not go her way?
Senator Scarr
It doesn’t really matter if Paul Scarr ends up on the front bench, the back bench or a park bench. It’s not about me. I am standing loyally with Sussan for the reasons I’ve outlined, and that’s what I’m doing today.
Host
But will you stand loyally behind the person who takes over?
Senator Scarr
Absolutely.
Host
Is there a chance the spill motion doesn’t get up? Because that’s the first thing that has to happen. My understanding is the spill motion will be called. Is there a chance it won’t get up?
Senator Scarr
There has to be a majority for the spill. If the spill motion gets up, then there’s the election of the leader. It’s going to be a close vote—I have no doubt about that. Speaking with colleagues, I have no doubt it will be close.
Host
Is a close vote the worst thing that can happen? Because it shows a party so divided.
Senator Scarr
I think what it shows is that Sussan still has substantial support. It shows that many people, like myself, believe she deserves a fair go, and that sentiment will be expressed today in the party room. Whatever happens—and it will be close either way—we need to unite behind the Leader and present a united front. That’s our obligation.
Host
If it is so divided, how do you present that united front you speak of?
Senator Scarr
It’s up to each and every one of us. And as I’ve said, I will be doing everything I can to contribute to the team. Politics is a team game—it has to be—and we must be united. It’s incumbent on each of us to do the right thing.
Host
Usually a team should get behind their leader to help them, and that has not happened here.
Senator Scarr
Each colleague must speak for themselves. I’ve stood loyally by Sussan. I’ve done everything I can to support the team, and that’s the obligation we all have.
Host
Just to be very clear, with that meeting starting very soon: will you vote for a spill motion on the leadership of the Liberal Party?
Senator Scarr
No, I won’t. Sussan has been in the job only nine months. She has had to deal with some very, very difficult issues. I believe she has a right to a fair go. We haven’t even reached the first budget since the last federal election. From my perspective, this is happening too early. I recognise the rights of colleagues to bring on a spill, but I’ll be supporting Sussan. I’ll be voting against the spill motion.
Host
Senator Paul Scarr, really appreciate your time on what is a very busy morning in Canberra. I’m sure you’ve been fielding other calls while speaking with us, so we’ll let you get back to those. Thank you very much for your time.
