Intense discussions are ongoing within the Liberal party regarding the replacement of the three-person administrative committee controlling its NSW branch. This follows a scandal triggered by former Victorian MP Alan Stockdale's controversial comments and concerns about the committee's lack of progress and stewardship during the federal election. The party is debating whether to end federal intervention, restore the old state executive, or form a new streamlined committee of NSW figures, with implications for the party's future direction and factional power.
‘Rambling rubbish’: inside the battle for the soul of the Liberal party in NSW
Liberal partyAustralian politicsNew South WalesAustralia
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Intense discussions are ongoing within the Liberal party regarding the replacement of the three-person administrative committee controlling its NSW branch. This follows a scandal triggered by former Victorian MP Alan Stockdale's controversial comments and concerns about the committee's lack of progress and stewardship during the federal election. The party is debating whether to end federal intervention, restore the old state executive, or form a new streamlined committee of NSW figures, with implications for the party's future direction and factional power.
Trending- 1 August 2024: NSW division failed to nominate 140 candidates for 16 local council elections.
- 2 October 2024: Federal Liberals intervened, installing a three-person administrative committee (Stockdale, Alston, Seaton) to run the NSW branch.
- 3 Last week (before June 10, 2025): Alan Stockdale made controversial comments to the NSW Liberal Women’s Council.
- 4 Last week (before June 10, 2025): Matt Kean commented on the 'battle for the soul' of the party.
- 5 Monday (before June 10, 2025): Anthony Roberts commented on the administration.
- 6 Next week (after June 10, 2025): Federal executive meets to decide on the committee's replacement.
- 7 30 June (2025): Committee's commission is due to run out.
- Potential change in the leadership and administrative structure of the NSW Liberal branch
- Continued internal division and factional battles within the party
- Risk of the party 'disappearing' if membership collapse persists
- Impact on the party's performance in future state elections (currently facing a minority Labor government)
- A class action lawsuit from failed local government candidates
- Potential for federal intervention in other state branches (South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia)
- Unhealthy branch structures leading to 'fiefdoms' and hindering election success in marginal seats
- Ongoing debate over the party's ideological direction and future identity
What: An internal battle within the Liberal party's New South Wales (NSW) branch is underway, focusing on replacing the current three-person administrative committee (Alan Stockdale, Richard Alston, Peta Seaton). This follows a scandal caused by Alan Stockdale's controversial comments and concerns about the committee's lack of progress in reforming the NSW branch and its performance during the federal election. The party is debating whether to end federal intervention, restore the old state executive, or form a new streamlined committee of NSW figures. Key issues include collapsing party membership, an unwieldy state executive, and problematic branch rules leading to 'fiefdoms' and high rejection rates for new members.
When: Discussions are 'under way' and the federal executive meets 'next week'. Alan Stockdale's comments were made 'last week'. The committee's commission is due to run out on '30 June'. The troika was installed by federal Liberals after the '2024 council elections farce'. The failure to nominate candidates for local council elections occurred 'last August'. Tony Abbott and Peter Dutton pushed for intervention in 'October 2024'. Anthony Roberts weighed in on 'Monday'. Matt Kean commented 'last week'. The party is 'just over 18 months away from a state election'. The Liberal party in NSW has been dominated by moderates for the 'last 40 years'.
Where: The events are primarily taking place within New South Wales (NSW), Australia, specifically within the Liberal party's NSW branch. Discussions occurred at the NSW Liberal Women’s Council meeting. Specific electorates mentioned include Bradfield, North Sydney, and Warringah. South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia are mentioned as potential future targets for similar federal intervention.
Why: The battle is driven by a scandal triggered by Alan Stockdale's 'rambling rubbish' comments, which appalled many. There is a perceived lack of progress by the administrative committee in reforming the NSW branch and concerns about its stewardship during the federal election, where the party lost seats. The failure to nominate candidates for local council elections in August 2024 exposed professionalism worries. Collapsing party membership and problematic branch rules (high rejection rates, 'fiefdoms') are also major concerns. Ultimately, it is described as a 'battle for the soul of the Liberal party' regarding its ideological direction (far-right rump vs. centrist election-winning party).
How: The situation is unfolding through intense discussions and debates within the Liberal party. The federal executive is scheduled to meet next week to decide on the committee's replacement. Prominent members like Tony Abbott, Sussan Ley, Anthony Roberts, and Matt Kean have made public comments. Various paths are being considered: ending federal intervention, restoring the old state executive, or forming a new streamlined committee of NSW figures. Proposals to abolish branches or relax sign-up rules are also being floated. The federal opposition leader, Sussan Ley, is expected to be highly influential in the final decision.