Weekly Wrap Up – 21 November 2025
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Weekly Wrap Up – 21 November 2025
This week, the focus on the Liberal Party intensified, with instability brewing across its federal and state ranks.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is facing mounting pressure following the Liberal Party’s decision to drop its net zero by 2050 target. The move has drawn sharp criticism internally, and renewed discussion about a potential leadership challenge which could come as early as next week, however this timeframe is now seen as less likely. Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are seen as the most likely challengers for the leadership. A leadership spill seems inevitable, even if it is pushed back to early next year.
Victoria also saw a dramatic shift as Jess Wilson successfully challenged Brad Battin to become the Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. At just 35, Wilson brings a youthful, moderate presence to the party and immediately sets the stage for a high-profile clash with Premier Jacinta Allan ahead of the Victorian State Election next year. Her rise signals a generational reset for the Victorian Liberals, who are aiming to sharpen their messaging on budget management, crime, healthcare, and housing affordability. However, Wilson will have to consolidate support among the party’s conservative and moderate wings.
In New South Wales, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman resigned from the leadership of the NSW Liberal Party after losing support from key Liberal MPs. Speakman’s decision came after an urgent late-night meeting with senior powerbrokers, including moderates Chris Rath and James Wallace, and conservative Scott Farlow. In a vote this morning, Kellie Sloane was unanimously elected as party leader, with Natalie Ward to remain as deputy. For the first time in the party’s history, there will be an all-female leadership team.
Across federal and state levels, the Liberal Party appears increasingly fractured and rudderless, with multiple leadership questions and internal rivalries looming simultaneously. As Federal Parliament resumes next week for its final sitting week of the year, the evidence is clear: the knives are out, the infighting is intensifying, and the “killing season” has officially begun.
Top talking points
Coalition Net Zero: The Coalition formally dropped its commitment to net zero by 2050 following a joint party-room meeting.
Foreign Policy Address: Anthony Albanese spoke at the APEC Study Centre, positioning Australia as a middle power in the Asia–Pacific.
COP31: Australia will not host next year’s UN climate summit, ceding the role to Türkiye in return for Chris Bowen leading the negotiations.
Polling: Redbridge polling shows Labor leading[paywall] 56–44 on a two-party-preferred basis. The Coalition’s primary vote sits at 24 per cent, while One Nation has risen to 18 per cent.
National Press Club: FutureCoal Chief Executive Michelle Manook and ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks addressed the National Press Club.
Making headlines this week
The Affordable and Responsible Energy Plan
New South Wales Workers Compensation Developments
The New South Wales Government introduced the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to reform the state’s compensation for psychological injuries, proposing an increase in the whole person impairment (WPI) threshold to 31 per cent. After passing the Legislative Assembly, the Bill was referred to the Public Accountability and Works Committee, which recommended[paywall] that the proposed WPI threshold be withdrawn. Following a 16 hour debate, the Legislative Council passed a substantially amended version of the Bill, incorporating more objective definitions of compensable psychological injuries, clearer “reasonable management action” criteria, and limits on assessments. The amended Bill then returned to the Legislative Assembly and passed. Chris Minns criticised the Coalition and the Greens for amending the Bill, communicating that insurance premiums for businesses were likely to increase as a result.
Things to watch
24 November: Federal Parliament will sit.
25 November: CEDA will host the Chair of the NEM Review, Tim Wilson, to discuss Australia’s energy transition.
25 November: The ABS will release longitudinal labour force data.
26 November: The ABS will release CPI and construction work data.
26 November: The AFR will host the Revitalising Growth Productivity Forum in Sydney.
27 November: Jacinta Allan will deliver the State of the State address at CEDA.
Bank Committee Hearing. CSLR Proposal and Chalmers Commentary
Executives from the major banks appeared before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, responding to questions on their operations and how they are meeting the interests of their stakeholders.
Daniel Mulino is considering[paywall] requiring the superannuation sector to contribute to the CSLR Scheme as well as broader consumer protection reforms following the collapse of Shield and First Guardian Master Funds.
At the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Breakfast, Jim Chalmers reiterated his commitment to the WA GST deal, communicating that “WA will receive its fair share”. He also conceded delays on the Hanwha and Austal FIRB decision, noting its complexity.
AUKUS, Overseas and Domestic Ministerial Engagement
Richard Marles announced HIFraser as the first Australian company qualified to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines through the Government Funded Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program.
The Submarine Maintenance Period for the USS Vermont took place at HMAS Stirling. This is the first time a US nuclear-powered submarine has undergone a maintenance period in Australia without a US support ship.
Penny Wong visited India for the 16th Australia India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, where she met with Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar. Discussions centred on deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting a shared vision for a peaceful Indo Pacific region, particularly through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Don Farrell hosted the largest gathering of trade ministers and representatives in more than a decade. The meeting focused on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which links 12 economies and 590 million people, representing nearly 15 per cent of global GDP.
EPBC Act, New South Wales Net Zero, and the Future Jobs and Investment Authority Moves
The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee held public hearings over Murray Watt’s proposed reforms to the EPBC Act. Key attendees to the hearings include the Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia, and the Climate Council.
The New South Wales Liberals reaffirmed their net-zero by 2050 position, while the NSW Nationals agreed “in principle” to abandon the 2050 net zero emissions target, and prioritise energy affordability and reliability over binding emissions goals. Penny Sharpe criticised the decision, arguing it undermined investor certainty.
The New South Wales Government introduced the Future Jobs and Investment Bill 2025 to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority. The Bill empowers the Authority to attract investment, create new jobs and industries, support productive post-mining land use, inform communities about mine closures, and assist affected workforces.
eSafety, State Employment and Housing Updates
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has been summoned to testify before the US Congress amid concerns that Australia’s laws could “threaten” Americans’ free speech. The request reportedly stems from the regulator’s use of the Online Safety Act to remove content from social media platforms, and follows the release of consultation on the News Bargaining Incentive and Digital Duty of Care.
Jacinta Allan introduced reforms to protect workers in retail, fast food, hospitality, and transport from assault and abuse. The measure follows the Adult Time for Violent Crime announcement, which aims to ensure that children aged 14 and over who commit serious violent offences will face adult consequences.
Anoulack Chanthivong announced reforms to New South Wales’ strata laws to support the 1.2 million residents of strata homes. The Bill, the fourth wave of reforms following the 2021 statutory review, seeks to improve transparency, strengthen ownership rights, and cut red tape.
Amendments to the Transport Oriented Development scheme have unlocked up to 24,000 new homes in Ku-ring-gai. The 13 participating councils have committed to expanding affordable housing, while minimising the impact of new developments on neighbouring properties and protecting high value heritage areas and structures.
Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Early Childhood, and Asbestos Developments
Speaking at the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Conference, Jason Clare revealed plans to introduce legislation to establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission. The Commission will create mission-based compacts with individual universities that set out the number of domestic and international students they will teach.
The New South Wales Early Childhood Regulator will conduct unannounced inspections of early learning services under recent reforms designed to enhance transparency for families, improve child safety, and increase penalties for substandard providers. This initiative coincides with the South Australian Government’s passage of tougher child sex offender laws, imposing harsher penalties and granting police greater oversight to ensure offenders do not engage in prohibited contact with children.
The ACCC recalled several coloured sand products sold at over 80 retailers after they were found to be linked to asbestos. The recall prompted the temporary closure of more than 70 schools nationwide, although Victoria and New South Wales opted to remain open, citing a low health risk. Testing and cleaning of affected classrooms is ongoing.