Three of Australia’s major political parties — the Liberals, Nationals and Greens — are preparing to choose new leaders in the wake of Saturday’s federal election. The internal party manoeuvring is already in full swing.

🤔 Why it matters

These leadership contests will shape the direction of the opposition and set the tone for the next parliamentary term.

⚔️ Liberal Leadership Battle: Ley vs Taylor

The Liberal Party vote is set for Tuesday. Deputy leader Sussan Ley is expected to face off against Angus Taylor, the current shadow treasurer.

• Taylor is under fire for failing to develop a strong policy platform during his time in opposition.
  

• There’s speculation Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who defected from the Nationals this week, may join his ticket as deputy.

⏰ The big question

Is this just a temporary gig? Some insiders believe the next Liberal leader could be little more than “cannon fodder” until the 2028 election.

🌾 Nationals: Leadership Vote on Monday

Per party rules, all leadership positions in the Nationals are vacated after an election.

• Leader David Littleproud is under pressure despite his party performing better than the Liberals.
  

• His role in pushing the Coalition’s unpopular nuclear energy policy could come back to bite him.

He’ll be challenged by Queensland senator Matt Canavan, who told The Australian:

🗣️ “I am standing for my party’s leadership so that I can tell my kids I did everything I could to fight for a better life for them.”

🌱 Greens turn a new leaf

Leadership of the Greens will be decided next Thursday after Adam Bandt lost his seat of Melbourne this week. Senator Nick McKim has announced he won’t be contesting the leadership. 

• The likely contenders are Sarah Hanson-Young — seen recently posing with a salmon in the senate protesting a salmon farming bill — and current deputy Mehreen Faruqi.