Coalition's female candidates remain at 32% in 2025

Data shows that the Coalition party has not increased its proportion of female candidates for the upcoming federal election. As of now, women make up 32% of the Coalition’s candidates for the House of Representatives, the same as in 2022. However, this year, ten women are running in winnable seats, which could improve their chances of winning. The Coalition's slow progress on gender equality might echo the challenges faced in the 2022 election. That year, six women from the teal movement won in traditionally Liberal seats. Labor Assistant Minister for Women, Kate Thwaites, emphasized the need for strong female representation in parliament to achieve gender equality. Currently, out of 137 Coalition candidates, 44 are women and 93 are men. While the overall numbers are important, the specific focus on candidates in competitive seats is crucial. Of the women running, 23 are up against incumbent MPs in safe seats, while 10 are contesting marginal seats where they have better chances. Charlotte Mortlock from Hilma’s Network expressed optimism about the caliber of women running, although she acknowledged there is still more work to be done. The Labor Party shows a better balance, with 66 out of 121 candidates being women. At the last election, the Coalition had 49 women out of 151 candidates, while Labor had 44% of its candidates as women. A study indicated a gender voting gap, with more men supporting Coalition candidates and a slightly higher proportion of women backing Labor. After the 2022 election loss, a review recommended that the Liberal Party aim for 50% gender representation over the next decade. However, it did not mention quotas. Party finance spokeswoman Jane Hume praised the strong female candidates selected so far but did not comment on the stagnant representation.