Gender balance in Liberal party should be based on ‘merit’ not ‘quotas’, says new senator Jess Collins

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"New Liberal Senator Jess Collins Advocates for Merit-Based Gender Representation Over Quotas"

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Newly elected Liberal senator Jess Collins has publicly voiced her opposition to the idea of implementing quotas to enhance female representation within the party, emphasizing that merit should be the primary basis for selection. In an email to her constituents, Collins criticized factional leaders and party insiders for their handling of the issue, particularly in light of the Coalition's recent electoral defeat, which she described as 'devastating.' She argued that a more effective approach would have been for the party's strategists, including former leader Peter Dutton, to focus on better campaign tactics rather than resorting to quotas. Collins, who has aligned herself with prominent figures such as Angus Taylor and Anthony Roberts, expressed her frustration with leaks from within the party that suggested the need for quotas for men, questioning the motivations behind such comments. She believes that the party cannot progress without addressing the existing power dynamics and fostering an environment where women are encouraged to run for office based on their qualifications and capabilities.

As the only newly elected senator from the Coalition, Collins acknowledged her position within the party hierarchy but remained optimistic about the potential for change. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, noting the support she received from her own mentors, and expressed her commitment to helping other women enter politics. While some moderates within the party advocate for binding quotas, Collins maintains that gender balance in parliament should be achieved through merit rather than enforced measures. Activists like Charlotte Mortlock have countered her stance, arguing that the concept of merit often undermines the recognition of women's capabilities. As discussions about potential quota models continue, party sources indicate a shifting sentiment towards considering such measures if they can be structured appropriately. However, Collins and other party leaders like Taylor continue to advocate for strategies that align with traditional Liberal values while promoting women's participation in politics without resorting to quotas.

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Newly elected Liberal senator Jess Collins has hit out at factional bosses and leakers within the party’s NSW branch, insisting apush for quotas to boost female representationis the wrong approach for trying to beat Labor at the next election.

Aligned with senior frontbencher Angus Taylor and state MP and factional force Anthony Roberts, Collins was elected to the upper house on 3 May, after beating senator Hollie Hughes for preselection.

A former Lowy Institute research fellow, Collins used an email to constituents on Tuesday night to describe the Coalition’s election defeat as “devastating,” arguing more women would have been elected if campaign strategists and former leader Peter Dutton had done a better job.

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As Dutton’s successor Sussan Ley pushes for reform of the party, and some moderates advocate for binding quotas, Collins criticised leakers who publicised comments from party figure Alan Stockdale suggesting Liberal women were“sufficiently assertive”and that quotas for men might need to be considered.

“I am tired of factional hacks trying to weaponise the constitution to consolidate or hold on to power,” Collins wrote in the email seen by Guardian Australia.

“We are not going to find our way out of the wilderness if we can’t change the status quo.”

She said the leaking of the comments made in a meeting of the NSW Women’s Council was disappointing, explaining she had met Stockdale and the party’s administrative committee with ideas on how to improve the outcomes for women.

“If he suggested women were sufficiently assertive perhaps I am to blame.”

Collins then wrote: “Sorry, bad joke – please don’t leak it!”

The only newly elected Coalition senator, she conceded she was so low on the pecking order that she has “no one to peck”.

Ahead of a discussion about quota models in a special meeting on Wednesday night, Collins said there was more work to do to encourage women to run for parliament.

“That is the ongoing and big task ahead of us all. I was fortunate to have mentors like Anthony Roberts and Angus Taylor.

“If I can help other women like they have helped me then I’m confident we can achieve gender balance with merit in parliament. Not with quotas.”

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Party activist Charlotte Mortlock, founder of Hilma’s Network which advocates for better female representation in theLiberal party, said quotas should be considered.

“I look forward to Jess’ contribution to our democracy. I am sure she will do a great job, but I disagree with her on quotas.

“I am frustrated by the continual use of the word ‘merit’ which never seems to come up when questioning men’s capabilities.”

Moderates pushing for changes to party rules have proposed gender quotas be introduced with enforceable expiry dates, in a bid to win the broadest possible support for the plan.

Proponents of quotas told Guardian Australia this weeksunset provisions to remove preferential treatment for women must be included in any rule change.

Party sources say a shift in sentiment could be emerging towards a quota plan, provided the right model can be agreed to. A rule change would require 60% support in a vote of the NSW state council.

Taylor opposes quotas. He said on Wednesday he would actively campaign on “sensible policies in line with Liberal values” to get more women into parliament.

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Source: The Guardian