I’m going to bring in Liberal Senator Paul Scarr. He has been serving in Sussan Ley’s Shadow Ministry. Senator, welcome to the program.
Senator Scarr
Good morning, James. Good to be with you and your viewers.
Host
Let’s get straight to it. Do you think Sussan Ley is done?
Senator Scarr
I think it’s going to be a very close result today. And as Jane just said, whoever wins, it’s critically important that we all get behind the leader and present a united front. We have an obligation — and I really do see it as a moral obligation — to be an effective Opposition, hold the Albanese Labor Government to account, and develop a strong suite of policies for the next election.
Host
I’m curious about your reaction to Jane Hume calling for unity. She’s been pushing for change; you’ve been loyal to Sussan Ley. How does it sit with you hearing her say that once Angus is leader, everyone needs to unite behind him?
Senator Scarr
I’d be very pleased if all of my colleagues expressed that view — and were consistent with it through their actions. Jane is a good person. She cares deeply about Australia, and I respect her position.
Host
It looks as though Angus Taylor will be the next leader of the Liberal Party shortly. Is he the right person to turn things around? And how long should he be given, given Sussan Ley has only been in the role nine months?
Senator Scarr
One of the reasons I’m supporting Sussan is that she has done her absolute best in very difficult circumstances. We’ve had challenges within the Coalition, and we’ve faced a number of complex policy issues that she has navigated extremely well — ensuring everyone in the party had their say. And then of course, we had the Bondi terrorist attack. I was inspired by how she stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish Australian community and held the government to account.
She’s only had nine months since the federal election. We still don’t have the review of the election results, and yet we’re now meeting to consider a change of leader. From my perspective, she deserved a fair go and more time.
Host
What does it say to women in the Liberal Party — or women who might consider joining the centre‑right — that the first female leader could be cut down so quickly?
Senator Scarr
We need more women standing as candidates for the Liberal Party. We need more candidates from our multicultural communities as well. And all I can say is that through my own actions, I’m standing loyally by Sussan. She’s earned that support. She’ll have it from me right up to the party room and, if she remains leader, beyond. And if she’s not, then we must unite behind the new leader.
Host
One thing that’s striking, watching from outside Canberra, is that many of these internal disputes seem to revolve around just a couple of policies. There hasn’t been a full suite of alternatives put forward. What areas do you want the party to focus on after today?
Senator Scarr
We need to focus on the issues affecting everyday Australians. We’ve just had our 13th interest rate increase. In my local area — my office is in Ipswich in South East Queensland — many families are doing it tough. Cost‑of‑living pressures, government spending blowouts, inflation: these issues are front and centre.
Our responsibility is to hold the Government to account and present the policies of an alternative government. Whatever today’s result, we must be united and do exactly that.
Host
Paul Scarr, we appreciate you joining us this morning on what will be a big — and probably emotional — day.
Senator Scarr
Thanks very much, James.
