Liberal Party commission proposes gender quotas and other reforms to boost female representation

A discussion paper from the Liberal Party Commission has floated six options including gender quotas, open primaries, and candidate targets to address the party's underrepresentation of women.

• The commission's discussion paper, circulated on Wednesday, warns the party's parliamentary team does not reflect the average Australian voter, defined as a 38-year-old woman.
• The paper states that only 33% of Liberal and LNP parliamentarians across the country are women, with men outnumbering women four-to-one in the lower house.
• The paper argues new measures are required if "serious progress" is to be made and outlines six options—including gender quotas and open primaries—without recommending any.
• Opposition leader Angus Taylor, who opposes gender quotas, publicly rejected the idea after the 2025 election, while the paper warns that existing resistance may need to be overcome.