SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos, November 17, 2025. Leader of the opposition Sussan Ley pictured on a visit to Emu Plains engineering business Marley Flow Control. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers
UPDATE: Sussan Ley is facing a significant internal revolt within the Liberal Party following her controversial shift on Australia’s climate policy. Just hours after the shadow ministry agreed to abandon the 2050 net zero emissions target, dissenting voices within her party are already calling for changes to immigration policy next.
In a dramatic turn of events from last week’s meeting, Ley, who previously advocated for retaining a net zero target, now appears to be fully endorsing the decision to discard it. This shift has raised eyebrows and left many questioning her leadership credibility. Ley’s internal opponents, including Andrew Hastie and James Paterson, were seen leaving the meeting with smiles, suggesting a strategic victory for the party’s conservative faction.
The fallout from Ley’s decision is palpable, as polling numbers continue to decline for the Liberal Party. During the recent leadership contest, supporters of Angus Taylor highlighted Ley’s history of policy flip-flops, further complicating her position. Ley, once a vocal critic of live sheep exports, now stands with the supporters of the controversial industry in Western Australia. This inconsistency is leading many to doubt her political integrity.
Moreover, Ley’s handling of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act overhaul has been criticized. As the former environment minister who commissioned the review, her mixed messaging on the reform has raised questions about her commitment to environmental issues. Observers have noted that while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is clear in his policies and values, Ley’s shifting stance leaves her vulnerable to criticism.
“That’s going to be the difference between whether we get through this debate or not,” warned Tim Wilson, a prominent figure within the Liberal Party, as he called for decisive leadership.
As tensions rise, the comparison to former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull grows more relevant. Like Turnbull, Ley finds herself navigating a narrow majority while facing relentless pressure from the party’s right-wing faction. Her ability to maintain her leadership role is now in question, with critics asserting that her political survival is a matter of time rather than choice.
Ousted rising star Keith Wolahan has indicated his intention to run again in the next election, emphasizing the need for the Liberal Party to win metropolitan seats to avoid becoming a “voice in opposition only.” Ley’s recent decisions have alienated allies while emboldening adversaries, leaving her in a precarious position.
The internal strife within the Liberal Party is escalating, with calls for new leadership growing louder. Ley’s future as leader looks increasingly uncertain, prompting the question: what will she truly stand for?
As developments unfold, all eyes are on Ley and the Liberal Party’s next moves. Will they pivot back to a more unified stance, or will the fractures deepen ahead of the next election?
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
