Foreign Affairs Minister, Marise Payne, has become the latest senior Liberal to admit the party has a “very serious problem” with a lack of women.
And, Ms Payne says she’s been wondering if they should consider the contentious issue of quotas.
“I think that we do have a very serious issue concerning the role of women in the parliamentary process and also in efforts to engage more across the community,” the minister told ABC radio.
Ms Payne reflected on party history when it did have a greater female representation.
“We’ve proven we can do it. I know we can do it again,” she said.
“I’ve never been a fan of quotas but I must say recently I’ve wondered whether we should consider them.
“In what context I’m not sure, but we don’t have enough women. The issue has to start long before you get to parliament.”
Frontbencher, Sussan Ley, yesterday backed some sort of quota, after Julie Bishop spoke out against the internal culture and lack of women.
The Liberals have long opposed a quota system but calls for change are growing louder amid claims of bullying and intimidation. Nine News
