Charlotte Mortlock, a women’s advocate and former journalist, has resigned from the Liberal Party following the defeat of Sussan Ley as leader. Ley, who was the first woman to lead the Liberal Party, lost her position just nine months into leadership, prompting Mortlock to question the party’s commitment to increasing women’s representation. In her departure announcement, Mortlock highlighted the challenges women face in the party, especially as research indicates a declining tendency for women to support the Coalition in upcoming elections.

Reflecting on her resignation, Mortlock emphasized the importance of women's voices in politics and criticized the party’s struggles to maintain female participation. She founded Hilma's Network with the aim of promoting greater inclusion within the Liberal Party and drawing inspiration from historical suffragist achievements. With her exit, she has sparked discussions regarding the future of women in the party and the necessary changes needed to attract and retain female members amidst a shifting political landscape.

As political dynamics evolve in Australia, Mortlock’s departure represents a critical moment for the Liberal Party, particularly in addressing its challenges concerning gender representation. According to findings from the Australian Election Study, there are indications that women’s support for the Coalition is waning. The question now looms over the party's strategy to not only retain but also encourage more women to join, especially given Mortlock's significant role in advocating for women's rights within the party structure.