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Karl fires up on Sussan Ley over “ruthlessly personal” purge

<p>A major reshuffle of the Coalition’s frontbench has erupted into political controversy, with Liberal leader Sussan Ley facing accusations of conducting a “ruthlessly personal” purge in her first major test since taking the reins from Peter Dutton.</p> <p>In a fiery interview on the <em>Today</em> Show, host Karl Stefanovic grilled Ms Ley over her decision to dump high-profile Senator Jane Hume – architect of the Coalition’s controversial work-from-home policy – and Victorian MP Sarah Henderson from the shadow cabinet.</p> <p>“I am not saying this is a bad thing, but you are ruthlessly personal,” Stefanovic said.</p> <p>“That’s not my view, Karl,” Ms Ley replied, defending the overhaul as part of building a “fantastic team” focused on challenging the Labor government. “Our job is to take the fight up to Labor to be the strongest possible Opposition on behalf of the Australian people.”</p> <p>When asked if she simply didn’t like Senator Hume, Ms Ley deflected: “Jane is a fantastic colleague and contributor and will remain in exactly the role she has as senator for Victoria.”</p> <p>The exclusion of Senator Hume, alongside the demotions of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and other senior women, has fuelled discontent within the party, especially amid concerns over gender representation. Ms Ley insisted that 40% of her shadow ministry are women when the outer ministry is included, but the shadow cabinet now includes just eight women out of 27 – fewer than under Peter Dutton.</p> <p>The removal of Senator Price from the shadow cabinet, now relegated to the defence industry portfolio in the outer ministry, has also raised eyebrows. Ms Ley said Price was “excited” about the new role and emphasised the Coalition’s focus on national security under Angus Taylor, who has moved from Treasury to Defence.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Senate leader Michaelia Cash has taken on the powerful foreign affairs portfolio, squaring off against Labor’s Senator Penny Wong. Ted O’Brien has replaced Taylor as Treasury spokesman, while Senator James Paterson has been elevated to the finance and government services portfolio.</p> <p>Leadership hopeful Andrew Hastie also earned a promotion, stepping into the home affairs role after requesting a shift from Defence.</p> <p>But the reshuffle has created clear winners and losers, with former Nationals leaders Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack both axed from the front bench. Mr McCormack hinted at ongoing tensions in the Nationals over their separation from the Liberals, telling <em>Sky News</em> he had more to say on key issues like net zero.</p> <p>Asked if his demotion was due to past criticisms of party leadership, McCormack replied, “You would have to ask David Littleproud.”</p> <p>That leadership is now under fresh scrutiny. Nationals MP Colin Boyce has accused Mr Littleproud of misleading the party room over negotiations with Ms Ley, saying, “How can you support a bloke that misleads the partyroom? I’m calling him out.”</p> <p>Senator Matt Canavan, who recently challenged Mr Littleproud for leadership, also weighed in, warning the Liberals to stay out of National Party business.</p> <p>Back in Liberal ranks, Senator Hume’s dumping remains one of the most contentious decisions. While Ley allies insist there’s no bad blood, others suggest a falling out between the two women and suspicions over Hume’s factional allegiances played a role.</p> <p>“She’s just collateral damage,” one Liberal MP said, hinting that internal tensions and past disagreements – including Hume’s controversial remarks during the last election – contributed to her downfall.</p> <p>The reshuffle, intended to position the Coalition as a stronger force heading into the next election cycle, has instead exposed deep rifts within both the Liberal and National parties. Whether this bold shake-up will unify the Opposition or deepen divisions remains to be seen.</p> <p><em>Images: Today show</em> </p>

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"It's simple": Sussan Ley reveals stance on Welcome to Country

<p>Newly elected Liberal leader <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/sussan-ley-elected-first-female-leader-of-the-liberal-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sussan Ley </a>has called on her party to modernise and reconnect with contemporary Australian values following one of its worst electoral defeats in history.</p> <p>In her first press conference since defeating Angus Taylor for the leadership, Ms Ley pledged a fresh approach to politics, saying the Liberal Party must "respect, reflect, and represent modern Australia".</p> <p>“We have to meet the people where they are. And that’s what I am committed to doing and what I am determined to do,” she said. “I want to do things differently, and we have to have a fresh approach.”</p> <p>Ley described her election to the party’s top job as an “enormous privilege”, adding: “I am humbled. I am honoured. And I am up for the job.”</p> <p>The leadership transition follows a bruising election campaign that saw the Liberals suffer significant losses, prompting calls for renewal and deeper engagement with a changing electorate.</p> <p>Cultural recognition also emerged as a flashpoint during the campaign’s final days, with controversy over audience reactions to Welcome to Country ceremonies. Addressing the issue head-on, Ms Ley called for authenticity in cultural acknowledgements.</p> <p>“With respect to Welcome to Country, it’s simple: if it’s meaningful, if it matters, if it resonates, then it’s in the right place,” she said. “If it is done in a way that is ticking a box on a Teams meeting then I don’t think it is relevant. It actually diminishes the value of what it is.”</p> <p>On the issue of national symbols, Ms Ley said she frequently stands in front of the Indigenous flag but would prefer to see Australians united under a single banner.</p> <p>“We should unite under the one Australian flag, that is my firm view,” she stated.</p> <p>Ms Ley now faces the challenge of steering a divided and diminished Liberal Party toward renewal, with pressure mounting to appeal to a broader, more diverse Australia. Her leadership marks a potential turning point for the party as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its identity in opposition.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Sussan Ley elected first female leader of the Liberal Party

<p>Sussan Ley has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, defeating shadow treasurer Angus Taylor in a tightly contested party room vote, 29 to 25. In doing so, she becomes Australia’s first female opposition leader and the most senior woman in the party’s 80-year history.</p> <p>The leadership spill followed the Liberal Party’s devastating loss in the federal election on May 3, which saw then-leader Peter Dutton lose his seat in a historic defeat. The party convened at Parliament House on Tuesday morning to determine a new leadership team and chart a path forward.</p> <p>Ley, 63, has been a Liberal MP since 2001 and most recently served as deputy leader under Dutton. A former environment and health minister, she represents the regional New South Wales seat of Farrer. Her election marks the first time since the 1990s that a regionally based politician has led the federal opposition.</p> <p>Chief opposition whip Melissa Price announced the result just after 10:15am. Ted O’Brien, a Queensland MP and former energy spokesman, was elected deputy leader with 38 votes, defeating Phil Thompson, who received 16. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who had been expected to stand as Taylor’s deputy, withdrew from the contest following Taylor’s leadership loss.</p> <p>Born in Kano, Nigeria, Ley has a diverse background, having worked as a wool and beef farmer, tax office executive, and pilot. A mother of three and grandmother of six, she has long been seen as a resilient figure in Liberal ranks. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in economics from La Trobe University and master’s degrees in tax and accounting.</p> <p>Ley's career in politics has spanned the leaderships of Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison. She resigned from cabinet in 2017 over an expenses controversy, but returned to hold industry and small business portfolios from 2022.</p> <p>In the wake of the party’s election defeat, Ley has called for a reset in direction and tone. Speaking last Friday, she acknowledged the loss as a wake-up call.</p> <p>“We suffered a significant election defeat and since then, I have been having many conversations with my colleagues, members of the community, members of the party, and everyday Australians. I have listened,” she said on Sunrise. “We got it wrong. We need to do things differently, going forward, and we do need a fresh approach.”</p> <p>Ley now faces the task of rebuilding the Liberal Party’s credibility and unity from the opposition benches, as it seeks to reconnect with voters and prepare for the next federal contest.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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How can I make summer style part of my self-care routine?

<p>Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to refresh your self-care routine with small changes that help you feel your best. </p> <p>One easy way to do this is by choosing clothing made from breathable Australian cotton and linen. They keep you cool, feel great against the skin and make looking put-together effortless. In this guide, we’ll show you how your summer wardrobe can fit into your self-care routine, featuring pieces from Sussan, a retailer known for easy, comfortable styles that last all season.</p> <p><strong>Simplify your day with matching sets</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan01.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>A big part of self-care is simplifying your day as much as possible, and that includes your clothing choices. Summer is the time for relaxed, unfussy outfits that don’t require a lot of planning. <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/sets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matching sets</a> are perfect for this because they take away the guesswork. Everything is already coordinated, which saves you time and makes your mornings easier.</p> <p>A soft denim skirt made from Australian cotton paired with a lightweight tee is breathable and practical for warm days. These pieces help you stay comfy when running errands or enjoying time with friends.</p> <p><strong>Stay cool all day in linen dresses</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan04.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/clothing/linen/linen-dresses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Linen dresses</a> are an easy go-to for keeping cool and comfortable during hot summer days. The fabric is light, breathable and perfect for warm weather, which is why it’s a great fit for everything from weekend barbecues to beach walks. With styles like shirt dresses, minis, midis and maxis, there’s plenty of variety to match whatever the day calls for.</p> <p>Styling a linen dress is also simple and practical. With the right accessories, it can easily shift from a casual daytime outfit to an evening look. Style it with a hat for an easy brunch outfit or a trip to the markets. To dress it up, add a light jacket and some jewellery, like a pair of earrings or a statement necklace.</p> <p><strong>Unwind with breathable loungewear</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan03.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>Practising self-care through summer style can be as simple as choosing clothes that help you relax and feel comfy all day long. This is easy to achieve with loungewear made from pure linen and linen blends.</p> <p>Look for lightweight loungewear tops, pants and shorts that feel soft on the skin and keep you cool as you move through your day. For a summer-ready look, pair a linen top with matching shorts for warm afternoons, or switch to linen pants for a little more coverage on cooler evenings.</p> <p><strong>End your day in Australian cotton sleepwear</strong></p> <p>Winding down at the end of the day feels easier when you’re wearing clothes that make you feel calm and cosy. <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/shop-the-edit-sleepwear/australian-cotton-sleepwear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian cotton sleepwear</a> in soft, breathable fabrics is a great option as it sits lightly on the skin and keeps you comfortable during warm nights.</p> <p>You can mix and match Australian cotton pyjama tops, tanks, shorts and pants or wear nighties to match your mood and comfort level. These versatile let you settle in and enjoy quiet evenings at home.</p> <p><strong>Wear what feels good this summer</strong></p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/11/Sussan02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></strong></p> <p>Updating your summer wardrobe with comfy, breathable pieces is an easy way to bring self-care into your routine. With matching sets, linen dresses, loungewear and soft Australian cotton sleepwear from <a href="https://www.sussan.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sussan</a>, you can have more time to focus on yourself and enjoy the season your way.</p> <p>Start refreshing your wardrobe with these pieces that feel good to wear, and use your summer style to prioritise self-care!</p> <p><em>Images: Sussan</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Sussan</em></p>

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“Several of these floods happened on your watch”: Nat Barr slams Liberal Party deputy leader

<p dir="ltr"><em>Sunrise</em> host Natalie Barr has called out Liberal MP Sussan Ley for claiming the Labor government was too slow in their handling of the NSW floods. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Liberal Party deputy leader appeared alongside Labor's Minister for Education Jason Clare on <em>Sunrise</em> on Friday July 8 who were discussing raising the walls of Warragamba Dam to stop future flooding. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Barr got the ball rolling, asking Ms Ley why nothing was done when her government was in power. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Sussan what do you think? Because several of these floods happened on your watch and nothing seemed to go ahead did it?” she asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s heartbreaking to hear from those people who are so affected when they feel yet another flood event,” Ms Ley began before she was cut off by Ms Barr.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hang on Sussan, the first flood, the big one, was in March last year, then we had March this year, April this year, with all due respect, what did your government do?” Ms Barr questioned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We worked closely and started a planning process at federal environment level that I was actually involved with. At the moment, the issue is with the NSW Government but a lot of work has been done by the Commonwealth,” Ms Ley said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now, this incoming government seems to not know how to pick up that work and continue with it. And that’s my point, at least start with the right minister. It’s waiting there and it needs [NSW]..., but at least start in the right area of the government to get this ball running.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nat, I think Sussan’s got a short memory here. Go back to the start of the year, we had a tinny army that rescued people,” Mr Clare said of Morrison’s Government response to the March floods. </p> <p dir="ltr">“People had to hire their own helicopters because rescue services weren't on the way.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were proactive. We got helicopters ready and soldiers ready before we were even asked.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Ley however then questioned why the government took too long to announce relief payments for the affected areas. </p> <p dir="ltr">“On Monday I raised the issue that payments that could have been made in hours were taking days,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The floods were on the weekend. It wasn't until Thursday that a signature on a paper was made, coincidentally when the Prime Minister came back from overseas.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Barr snapped at Ms Ley saying: “Well, it may have been a couple of days but it's burnt into our memory that people had to go rescue themselves and their communities.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The residents in the 23 LGAs affected by the severe storms and flooding since June 27, are eligible for disaster relief payments funded by the NSW government and the Commonwealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">The LGAs include Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

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New tool tells you if you’re at risk of getting cancer

<p>According to Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley, 130,000 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. As a result, the government have launched an new online tool in an effort to raise awareness of how certain lifestyle factors may lead to a cancer diagnosis.</p> <p>Talking to <a href="http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-20/australian-cancer-risk-assessment/7340278" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">the ABC</span></strong></a>, Ley explains that the aim of the new tool is to show people how they can minimise their risk of cancer by making healthier lifestyle choices. “We want that number to come down and we want people to realise they can do something about their own risk.”</p> <p>To conduct your own free cancer risk assessment, <a href="https://lifestylerisk.canceraustralia.gov.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/400000-australian-women-do-not-breast-screen/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">More than 400,000 Australian women haven’t had their mammogram</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/04/new-app-for-skin-cancer/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">New app to help fight skin cancer</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/health/body/2016/03/how-to-spot-a-melanoma-from-a-mole/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to spot a melanoma from a mole</span></em></strong></a></p>

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Turnbull forgot about the Minister for Aged Care last week

<p>Federal Minister for Health and Sport, Sussan Ley, was officially sworn in as the Minister for Aged Care in Canberra today. But a week after newly appointed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed his revamped cabinet to the public.</p> <p>The Aged Care system was previously part of the Social Services portfolio, which is the responsibility of newly appointed Social Services Minister, Christian Porte. But now Aged Care will be a portfolio in its own right and Ms Ley will take it on in addition to her commitments regarding Health and Sport.</p> <p>Media reports have suggested that Ms Ley approached the PM and recommended the move after aged care advocates criticised the initial ministry for having no one designated for ageing or aged care.</p> <p>Ms Ley noted feedback from patients and health professionals during her time as Health Minister as evidence of the important connection many Australians feel between aged care and health.</p> <p>“What better time to embrace our older generations, the services and care they receive now and will receive over the coming generation,” Ms Ley stated.  “While some see our ageing population as a burden on the health system or a burden on society, I have always supported and celebrated that we are living healthier and, for the most part, happier lives.”</p> <p>“I believe that we can support older Australians – and indeed their carers – better. A key factor in this support is how our aged care services integrate and complement our health services.”</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2015/09/women-double-in-turnbulls-new-ministry/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Women double in new ministry as Turnbull reveals new cabinet</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2015/09/malcolm-turnbull-plan-for-domestic-violence/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Malcolm Turnbull reveals first major announcement</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2015/09/malcolm-turnbull-disruption/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Malcolm Turnbull has a new favourite word</strong></em></span></a></p>

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