The federal election result carries some hard-won lessons.

The recent federal election has exposed fundamental weaknesses within the Liberal Party, which must now confront a stark reality: it struggles to resonate with an evolving electorate. Critics emphasize a significant decline in the party's appeal to women, highlighting that since 1996 their share of the female vote has eroded. In stark contrast, Labor has successfully attracted women voters across all age groups, making clear that women are not just a demographic to appease but represent the majority of voters. Despite setting a goal for 50% female representation in parliament by 2025, the Liberals were only able to preselect 34% women candidates for the recent election, demonstrating a gap between ambition and execution. Observers note an alarming trend where women candidates, particularly from 'teal' independents, have successfully ousted long-standing Liberal members from safe seats. This raises questions about the Liberal Party's commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially as these new independent candidates focus more on climate action, a pivotal issue that resonates strongly with younger voters and women. The analysis also points to the detrimental impacts of a campaign strategy perceived as excessively masculine, where policies such as ending remote work for public servants were seen as anti-women. The current leadership, personified by figures like Peter Dutton, has been criticized for prioritizing the political needs of the National party over those of the Liberals, further alienating progressive voters who favor a more balanced approach to climate change and social equity. Former Senator Simon Birmingham's call for implementing quotas for women candidates reflects a significant shift in party thinking. While expressing that such quotas may be deemed 'illiberal', he suggests that without radical changes, the party risks becoming irrelevant to contemporary voters. Simultaneously, the lesson appears clear: the Murdoch media's support, often interpreted as popular backing, does not translate into electoral success. In fact, the heavy reliance on endorsements from media outlets like The Australian does not equate to genuine public support, illustrating a disconnect between media narratives and voter sentiment. Overall, the outcome of this election should serve as a wake-up call for the Liberals, indicating that they must embrace a broader, more inclusive definition of their party's values and priorities if they wish to remain relevant in Australian politics.