The New South Wales Liberal Party has ushered in a new era of leadership, appointing former journalist Kellie Sloane as opposition leader following the ousting of Mark Speakman. The 52-year-old first-term MP becomes just the third woman to lead the state's Liberal Party after a party room meeting reached consensus on Friday morning.
A New Direction for NSW Liberals
Sloane's appointment marks a significant shift in the party's communication strategy. Mark Speakman was removed from leadership after colleagues expressed concerns about his inability to cut through with media and his lack of public profile. In contrast, Sloane brings considerable media experience from her previous career as a journalist and has already demonstrated her effectiveness as health spokesperson, vigorously challenging the Labor government over the state of NSW hospital emergency departments.
The leadership transition proceeded smoothly with Alister Henskens, the shadow attorney-general from the party's right faction, choosing not to stand against Sloane. The new leader enjoyed Speakman's endorsement and support across party factions, indicating broad unity behind her appointment.
Challenges Ahead for New Leader
Despite her communication skills and factional support, Sloane faces substantial hurdles. The Liberal Party brand has suffered significant damage from ideological infighting at the federal level, with primary vote support slumping below 30% - a threshold that makes winning government exceptionally difficult.
Sloane, who represents the safe seat of Vaucluse in Sydney's eastern suburbs, belongs to the party's powerful moderate faction. She counts former prime minister John Howard, ex-premier Nick Greiner, and prominent factional figure Matt Kean among her supporters.
Housing Policy Emerges as Key Battleground
One of the most immediate challenges for the new leader will be navigating housing policy. Her predecessor had largely embraced the Minns government's transport-oriented development approach, which focuses on encouraging medium and high-density housing around train stations. Speakman described himself as an "ADIMBY" - supporting "appropriate development in my backyard" - and the Coalition under his leadership backed recent planning law changes.
However, Sloane has adopted a more cautious stance, particularly regarding development in her own electorate. Despite attracting headlines for opposing housing in Rose Bay because the suburb lacked a "decent supermarket," she told the Australian Financial Review she has been proactive about identifying suitable locations for density, including Edgecliff and Bondi Junction.
Regarding plans for a new Woollahra station and up to 10,000 homes in nearby high-rise developments, Sloane adopted a qualified position: "Yes in my backyard, but it comes with an obligation to get it right."
Sloane previously sought preselection for Willoughby following Gladys Berejiklian's resignation before successfully winning the Vaucluse seat in 2023. Her rapid ascent to leadership positions her as a central figure in the rebuilding of NSW's opposition forces.
