Sussan Ley to deliver National Press Club address, first Liberal leader to do so since Scott Morrison

Sussan Ley will give a significant speech at the National Press Club in a move aimed to distance herself from her predecessor Peter Dutton.

The Opposition Leader is set to outline her vision for the new-look Liberal Party after it suffered its worst election result, with the Coalition reduced to a paltry 43 seats compared with Labor’s 94.

However, Ms Ley is not expected to share any new policy announcements, with the party still reviewing its agenda following May’s blistering loss.

Instead, she will detail how the Liberals will aim to win back voters ahead of the next federal poll due in 2028.

“Addressing the National Press Club is an important opportunity to talk to Australians about the work the Liberal Party will do over the next three years to reflect, respect and represent modern Australia,” she said, ahead of her appearance on June 25.

“Aspiration is the thread that connects every single part of Australian society and by focusing on that, the Liberal Party can once again earn the trust of communities across the country.”

Mr Dutton did not make a single address to the National Press Club in the last term of parliament.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the National Press Club on Tuesday, with his speech set to detail Labor’s second-term agenda.

The Prime Minister was critical of former opposition leader Peter Dutton of eschewing addressing the club, accusing him of being “unwilling to face up to the scrutiny”.

The speeches are generally televised live and speakers are expected to answer questions from journalists following their remarks.

“For a leader, being here in the last week of the election campaign is more than a matter of respect for tradition,” Mr Albanese told the club a week before the May 3 federal election. “Standing here is about taking responsibility for your plans. Being here is about being accountable, to the people, to the democratic process.”

Ms Ley will also be the first female major party leader to address the National Press Club since Julia Gillard, who fronted the venue prior to Labor’s losing election in 2013.

Ms Ley will also be first Liberal leader to do so since the appearance of then prime minister Scott Morrison in 2022.