7am Sussan Ley: ‘I’ve been underestimated a lot’
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Jun 1, 2025 
Karen Barlow, Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, interviews Sussan Ley, the pioneering first female leader of the Liberal Party. Ley shares her inspiring journey from challenging physical labor to high-flying politics, defying underestimation at every turn. She discusses her commitment to reconnecting with voters, particularly women and young people. The conversation dives into the importance of empathy in leadership and the balance between urban and rural political dynamics as she charts a path for the Coalition's future.
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Overcoming Underestimation Anecdotes
- Sussan Ley was underestimated in challenging roles like picking fleeces and piloting small planes for cattle mustering.
- She overcame those doubts through strength and determination, setting a foundation for her political career.
Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces
- Being a woman in a male-dominated setting was not new to Sussan Ley due to her prior career experiences.
- She embraced spirited debate within the party room and adapted to political dynamics.
Ley's Career Resilience Story
- After resigning as health minister over a funding misuse, Ley says these tough times made her stronger and wiser.
- She identifies as a survivor who understands the challenge of being sent to the backbench but remains committed to contributing.