Jay Scicluna | STPL NEWS
Mornington Peninsula, Australia — Federal Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie MP, has been elevated to the Coalition’s frontbench as part of Susan Ley’s newly announced shadow ministry, securing a key position that places the Mornington Peninsula in direct proximity to national policy discussions.
Ms McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health. The appointment, announced on Tuesday 28 May, comes amid a significant reshuffle within the federal Opposition following the reunification of the Liberal–National Coalition.
Her promotion is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Coalition’s focus on key social policy areas while increasing regional representation in shadow cabinet roles.
A Front Row Seat for the Peninsula
With McKenzie’s elevation, the Mornington Peninsula now has a front row seat at the table of federal opposition policy-making. This provides a rare opportunity for local priorities to be heard at the highest levels, particularly in areas such as education reform, youth wellbeing, and regional health services.
Ms McKenzie, who has represented the Flinders electorate since 2022, is regarded as an emerging voice within the Liberal Party, known for her work in international trade, small business policy, and her advocacy on behalf of local schools, families, and mental health services.
The reshuffle also saw a number of changes to the shadow frontbench, including the departure of Jane Hume and Sarah Henderson, and the promotion of Andrew Bragg and Julian Leeser to senior positions.
The updated Coalition frontbench, led by Deputy Liberal Leader Susan Ley and Nationals Leader David Littleproud, aims to present a unified opposition with a focus on cost-of-living, education, and community wellbeing.
A voice in the void
She’s outside the tent. Ben would would’ve been too if he had won. Sarah would have been more effective.