NSW Liberals Elect First-Term MP Sloan as Leader Ahead of 2027 Election

Mencari Team

Nov 21, 2025

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Here’s what else you need to know to get going and get on with your day.

Sloan Assumes NSW Liberal Leadership in Unanimous Vote

Kelly Sloan was elected unopposed as New South Wales Liberal leader Thursday, succeeding Mark Speakman who stepped down after citing brand damage from federal party dysfunction. The first-term member of parliament and former journalist pledged to focus on families, cost of living pressures, and infrastructure delivery in the lead-up to the March 2027 state election. Sloan, who previously served as CEO of a Western Sydney nonprofit, emphasized her background as a “country raised, public school educated working mum” raising three teenage boys. Deputy Leader Nat Cook was returned to her position, with the party room uniting behind what Cook called “Team Sloan.” The opposition leader faces the challenge of rebuilding Liberal support against Chris Minns’ Labor government with just 15 months until voters head to the polls.

Social Media Ban for Under-16s Takes Effect December 10

Australia’s under-16 social media ban will begin implementation December 10, with Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook among 10 services captured by the restriction. Communications Minister Anika Wells urged young Australians to establish alternative communication methods with friends before the deadline, particularly ahead of school holidays. The government said the list of affected platforms, which includes Reddit, remains dynamic but no further assessments are planned before implementation. Wells acknowledged the measure represents a significant change to how young people connect online. The legislation makes Australia one of the strictest jurisdictions globally on social media age restrictions, with enforcement mechanisms still being finalized by platform providers and regulators.

Three Arrested Over Threats to Federal Parliamentarians on Social Media

The Australian Federal Police arrested three individuals overnight for making threats against federal parliamentarians on social media platforms, prompting renewed calls for stronger online safety measures. Communications Minister Anika Wells described the online environment as “the wild, wild west” and confirmed the government is reviewing the Online Safety Act to consider implementing a digital duty of care framework by 2026. Wells declined to comment on specific details of the arrests to avoid prejudicing court proceedings, but emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing free speech protections with reasonable safety measures for Australians online. The minister indicated the government seeks public input on appropriate standards for digital platforms. The arrests come amid broader concerns about unregulated spaces on encrypted messaging services like Telegram.

Australia, European Union Report Progress on Free Trade Agreement

Trade Minister Don Farrell reported material progress in negotiations toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union following meetings with EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic. The talks, conducted on the sidelines of Pacific Trade Pact meetings, addressed longstanding obstacles including luxury car tax provisions, agricultural export access, and critical minerals cooperation. Farrell characterized Sefcovic as someone “you can do business with,” citing Margaret Thatcher’s assessment of Mikhail Gorbachev. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to outline further progress when meeting EU President Ursula von der Leyen in Johannesburg. The negotiations resume talks abandoned over disputes regarding prosecco naming rights and cheese protections, with both sides emphasizing the importance of demonstrating commitment to free and fair trade amid global economic uncertainty.

Federal Liberal Leader Defends Position Amid State Leadership Changes

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley defended her federal leadership Thursday as New South Wales and Victoria Liberal parties installed moderate women in top positions, dismissing suggestions colleagues should consider similar changes at the national level. Ley said she is doing an “exceptional job” and urged the party to focus on Australian families rather than internal politics following the coalition’s election defeat. The opposition leader confirmed the party’s decision to abandon its net zero by 2050 target while maintaining membership in the Paris Agreement, stating that affordable energy for households and businesses takes “primacy over everything.” Senator Anne Ruston acknowledged the party needs to “settle the ship and move on” after what she described as a “catastrophic result” at the federal election. Ley faces pressure to present a united front on energy policy while managing divisions over climate commitments and leadership questions ahead of the next federal election.

Stay informed on Australia's evolving political landscape with our comprehensive coverage of parliamentary developments and policy analysis.

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