The Morning Edition Sussan Ley: From punk teenager to rebuilding the Liberal Party
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Jun 26, 2025 
Sussan Ley, a former shearer, pilot, and mother of three, shares her journey from a punk teenager to the Opposition Leader of Australia. In the conversation, she tackles the Liberal Party's struggle with women's representation and how to reconnect with female voters. Ley discusses her strategy for unifying the Coalition on energy policy, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing climate goals. Additionally, she reflects on her unique experiences in the political landscape, paving the way for a future that values aspiration and opportunity.
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From Migrant to Politician
- Sussan Ley recounts her journey from migrant to Australian, driven by a passion to fly and later working as a shearer and pilot.
- She returned to university as a mother to study economics and tax law, linking her personal life with her political interests.
Boarding School Hardship Builds Resilience
- Sussan Ley describes her tough experience sent to an English boarding school at age 10 without modern communication.
- This hardship developed her sense of self-reliance and deepened her appreciation for Australia, fulfilling her father's promise.
Punk Roots in Canberra
- In her teenage years in Canberra, Ley embraced the punk culture as a way to express her identity and deal with not fitting in.
- She saw punk's fearless and honest ethos as instilling confidence that supported her future endeavors.