Paterson Admits Politics, Not Just Merit, Drove Liberal Cabinet Selection

He addressed the exclusion of Jane Hume and Sarah Henderson from cabinet roles.

Senator James Paterson at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on March 6, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Senator James Paterson has admitted that political considerations shaped the Liberal Party’s new Shadow Cabinet, prompting criticism and disappointment internally.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s announcement saw senior figures Jane Hume and Sarah Henderson dropped from key roles, raising concerns within party ranks.

“Leaders have to balance states,” Paterson told the ABC, describing the process as “political” rather than purely merit-based.

“I would be lying if I said merit is the most important consideration,” he said, noting that leadership decisions involve balancing the House and Senate, gender, and ideological representation.

He praised her as a “strong communicator” and expressed confidence that Hume would return to a senior role soon.

Ley defended the move, saying, “Jane is a terrific colleague ... But this isn’t about who is sitting at what table and what role they have. It’s about every one of the 54 members of our party room having a role to play.”

Concerns Over Henderson and Price

Paterson said he was more disappointed about Henderson’s departure from the front bench.

“Sarah did a great job in her portfolio and is a valued colleague as well,” he said.

Some observers speculate that Henderson, a conservative, was removed, perhaps as Ley, a moderate, shifts the party’s internal dynamics.

Another high-profile figure, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price—who left the Nationals for the Liberals after the election—was also sidelined from Cabinet, being assigned only an assistant shadow ministry role.

Price told Sky News she was disappointed and questioned whether the decisions were based on merit.

Paterson, while not addressing her claim directly, said, “We would all like to be in Shadow Cabinet,” but added she had still been given a “significant and senior role.”

He rejected suggestions that the reshuffle was ideologically driven.

“If you look across the party room, there are conservatives ... like myself, Angus Taylor, Michaelia Cash, Andrew Hastie ... and there are people from the more moderate end ... like Dave Sharma and Maria Kovacic. I think it’s a balanced team,” he said.

Fewer Women in Cabinet

The number of women in the Shadow Cabinet has also dropped from 11 to 8, at a time when the Liberal Party is struggling to connect with female voters.

Paterson said numbers “ebb and flow,” pointing to newcomers like Zoe McKenzie and Gisele Kapterian, should she win the seat of Bradfield.

“We’ve got a challenge to bring more women into the party. We know that,” he added.

Ley, meanwhile, underscored her leadership role in ensuring women have more influence.

“Forty percent of my shadow ministry is made up of women,” she said.

“The party is led by a woman. When we make the calls that we need to, I will be at the table for every single one of those big calls.”

Liberals Must Rebuild Economic Credibility: Paterson

Discussing his new portfolio, Paterson flagged the urgent need for the Liberal Party to restore its economic credentials.

Following the Liberals’ worst-ever election performance on May 3, internal criticism mounted over the Coalition’s lack of a compelling economic platform, which many believe contributed to its defeat.

Senior party figures openly blamed former shadow treasurer Angus Taylor for failing to provide candidates with sufficient policies to campaign on.

He acknowledged that economic management has long been a core strength of the Liberal brand.

“If we are ever to return to government at the federal level, we must have a very strong lead over Labor on the economy,” he said.

He emphasised that the party must remain committed to lower taxes and stronger budgets.

On net zero, Paterson declined to state a personal position, citing the party’s ongoing policy review.

“Sussan has signalled that emissions reduction is an important part of our agenda,” he added.

He noted that the appointment of Dan Tehan as Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction is a sign that emissions will remain a priority.