Shock resignation of Kelly O’Dwyer rocks Australia’s embattled government
- Resignation was unexpected blow to Prime Minister Scott Morrison ahead of a national election expected by May
Australia’s minister for women is set to retire from politics, a major blow for the embattled minority government amid accusations it has a problem with female representation ahead of crucial national elections.
Cabinet minister Kelly O’Dwyer – the latest in a string of female politicians to quit the ruling Liberal-National coalition – said Saturday she would not re-contest her lower house seat at the upcoming poll, due by mid-May.
Just a few months ago, O’Dwyer was reported by Australian media as warning in a closed meeting that the Liberals were widely viewed by voters as “homophobic, anti-women, climate-change deniers”.
O’Dwyer – one of six women in the coalition’s 23-person frontbench – said her decision was made for personal reasons and that she wanted to spend more time with her children.
“There will be some who try and use my announcement today to advance their own agendas and I absolutely do not want that,” she told reporters.
The surprise departure of the senior MP is a massive setback for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his coalition, already reeling from poor opinion polls, criticisms about its lack of gender diversity and numerous scandals.
