Mark Speakman: The Liberal Phoenix Rising from Dutton's Ashes

In a climate of political upheaval, particularly following the federal Liberal Party’s tumultuous loss under Peter Dutton, NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman stands poised to redefine the party’s image as it heads into the 2027 state election. Dutton’s leadership failures have illuminated the weak points of the party, which is now broadly perceived as anti-renewables, anti-women, and anti-migrant. Speakman, in navigating this political landscape, must eschew the outdated ideals of the largely white, male Boomer base of the party, which has proven ineffective in appealing to a modern electorate. Notably, a significant portion of Speakman’s party room comprises Millennials, with a demographic that notably influenced the federal poll results. This younger cohort of lawmakers, who include nine MPs under 40, must guide Liberal policy strategy as they attempt to resonate with voters disenchanted by past anti-urbanization stances. Policy positions on housing will be vital. The dichotomy between 'Not In My Backyard' (NIMBY) and 'Yes In My Backyard' (YIMBY) must be resolved in favor of higher-density living options to attract younger voters. Equally important is the party's need to elevate the voices of women within its ranks, a long-standing flaw that needs addressing if they hope to garner broader female support. Speakman would benefit from looking at exemplary candidates like Gisele Kapterian, a progressive woman who has shown political prowess. While the state Liberals compare favorably against their federal counterparts in gender representation, there's still room for improvement. Speakman’s leadership should pivot around a clear commitment to progressive policies, such as housing reform, renters’ rights, and a robust agenda on renewable energy. Proponents like moderate Liberal James Wallace emphasize the importance of substance over slogans to build critical voter segments around aspirational young professionals. To revitalize the party’s image, Speakman must distance himself from pop-oriented policies and engage in cerebral politics that resonate with the sensitivities of contemporary Australia. Thus, while Speakman has the potential to revitalize the NSW Liberals at a crucial time, his success will hinge on his ability to confront and transform the ingrained values of the party base that continue to risk their electoral viability.