Tasmanian Liberal Senator Wendy Askew has been re-elected unopposed as Chief Opposition Whip in the Senate, as the party embraces new leadership under Sussan Ley.
Senator Askew was confirmed in the position at the Senate party room meeting in Canberra yesterday, continuing in the role she has held since 2022.
The appointment comes as the Liberal Party undergoes significant leadership changes, with Sussan Ley recently becoming the first female leader of the party, alongside Deputy Ted O’Brien.
“I am pleased to see my friend and colleague Hon Sussan Ley MP elected as the new Leader of the Liberal Party, the first female to do so,” Senator Askew said.
“Sussan, along with Deputy Ted O’Brien, will be a formidable pair in holding the Albanese Labor Government to account.”
The Whip position, often described as the “team manager” of the party room, works to ensure members have fair opportunities to participate in parliamentary proceedings.
“I enjoy the role of the Whip because of its critical function of ensuring transparency in the Parliament and working with my Coalition colleagues to give them a fair opportunity to speak and participate during the sitting weeks,” Senator Askew said.
Senator Askew expressed strong support for the new Liberal leadership team, describing Ley as “a fierce champion of foundational Liberal Party values of freedom, reward for effort and equal opportunity for all Australians.”
The Senator indicated she was looking forward to being part of what she called “a united Coalition team” functioning as “an effective Opposition” throughout the remainder of the 48th parliament.
