Interview – Afternoon Briefing, ABC News

Interview – Afternoon Briefing, ABC News
Friday, 11 July 2025

Subjects: Albanese–Trump, Albanese’s visit to China, tax reform, net zero, climate change, Liberal women.

E&OE

Olivia Caisley
Recapping one of our top stories – the Prime Minister has accused the Coalition of not being on “Team Australia” after it called for the federal government to be more transparent about a meeting between Ambassador Kevin Rudd and US President Donald Trump.

Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic says Anthony Albanese needs to take responsibility for securing a face-to-face meeting with the US President. I spoke to her earlier about this, as well as increasing female representation in the Liberal Party.

Maria, thanks so much for speaking to us. At a time when the Liberal Party brand has been badly damaged, I’d love to know what inspired you to go into politics in the first place, particularly in joining the Liberal Party?

Senator Maria Kovacic
I’ve been involved with the Liberal Party for almost two decades. It’s a party deeply aligned with my values – individual freedoms, personal responsibility, and opportunity for all Australians.

I think that remains the core of who we are. Some of the challenges we’ve had recently stem from not articulating that well to the Australian public so they actually understand who we are and what we stand for.

Olivia Caisley
On that, you’re the Shadow Assistant Minister for Women. Why do you think the party is failing to attract and promote female talent more broadly?

Senator Maria Kovacic
One of the issues we need to address is ensuring our broader party base reflects modern Australia – and that then flows into our parliamentary representation.

We need more women in our party – that’s an absolute fact. We only have six women in the lower house of the federal parliament. Sussan Ley has been very clear that we must find a way to get more women into Parliament. She’s agnostic about how we do that, but it’s necessary because it’s one of the key ways we can reflect and represent modern Australia, as she’s said many times since becoming our Deputy Leader.

Olivia Caisley
You’ve said you support quotas to get more women into the Liberal Party and into Parliament. You’ve also backed net zero and want the Coalition to drop its nuclear policy – positions that might put you at odds with many in your party room. Do you think the Coalition is out of step with the public?

Senator Maria Kovacic
Once again, I’ll point to something Sussan Ley said – our policies are up for review, but our values are not. That’s an important takeaway from the election result on May 3.

We’re listening to everyday Australians – what they thought of the messages we took to the last election and what they expect from us as a viable alternative to Labor. It’s important we continue listening so that we’re in a position to form future policies.

Olivia Caisley
There’s no doubt people within the Liberal Party want revitalisation – you among them, and Sussan Ley has said similar. But what do you say to those in the Coalition dragging their feet on reforms voters say they support? Do you expect that once reviews are complete, the whole party will get behind them?

Senator Maria Kovacic
I’m not going to pre-empt what’s in any particular review, but we’re all focused on two things:

1. Ensuring the best outcomes for Australia.
2. Delivering policies that Australians can get behind – that they see as the best way forward for the country.

That’s how we ensure we’re a credible opposition and a legitimate choice for government at the next election.

Olivia Caisley
If the policy review doesn’t land in your favour on issues like quotas, nuclear, or net zero, are you going to push back or stay silent?

Senator Maria Kovacic
Issues like quotas are matters for each state division, not the parliamentary team, so it’s up to each division to craft their own reforms.

I’ve been vocal about net zero. Our position is clear – we need to be part of a global push to reduce emissions. We also want a reliable, stable, and affordable energy grid. Australians – households and small businesses – need to afford electricity.

Net zero is not a policy, it’s an outcome. Australians want us to leave the planet and country in a better state for our children.

Olivia Caisley
In your first speech to Parliament, you proposed capping the number of properties that can be negatively geared. What might that model look like, and how would it help first home buyers?

Senator Maria Kovacic
In my maiden speech, I raised it as one of the things we should explore alongside a broader suite of tax reforms. We shouldn’t be afraid to have that conversation. No single measure will fix housing affordability, but we have a structural problem if young Australians believe they’ll never own a home no matter how hard they work.

We have a responsibility to fix that by looking at all possible levers to help Australians own homes if they choose to.

Olivia Caisley
Has that negative gearing proposal been discussed with colleagues or in the party room?

Senator Maria Kovacic
These are all issues for discussion as we shape our broader economic policies. We haven’t had those specific discussions yet.

As Sussan has said, we are listening to Australians – understanding what they care about. Cost of living and housing remain top concerns, along with geopolitical issues, which lead into defence and national security.

Olivia Caisley
On tax reform more broadly – should there be a conversation about, for example, increasing the GST?

Senator Maria Kovacic
We need to look at a broad spectrum of issues. You can’t tackle tax reform by focusing on individual elements in isolation – it needs to be end-to-end.

I wouldn’t speculate on any particular measure here. What I will say is that our leader wants these constructive debates before we formulate policy. That’ll deliver better outcomes for Australians.

Olivia Caisley
Labor managed to cable-tie the Coalition, particularly Peter Dutton, to Donald Trump during the last election campaign – which was damaging. Do you think that has impacted Anthony Albanese’s ability to get a meeting with President Trump?

Senator Maria Kovacic
The Prime Minister’s failure to secure a meeting with President Trump is a matter for him.

I saw his outburst this morning about the opposition and “Team Australia.” We absolutely want the Prime Minister to do well with President Trump and to secure a face-to-face meeting.

He hasn’t been able to – and that’s for him to explain. Blaming the opposition is neither constructive nor reasonable.

Olivia Caisley
Is that a leadership failure, or is Australia just low in US priorities?

Senator Maria Kovacic
The Prime Minister needs to demonstrate stronger leadership and push harder for that meeting. We are an important US partner and long-term friend.

We need to have face-to-face discussions, especially on tariffs and Aukus – which isn’t just about submarines, but broader cooperation and intelligence sharing.

These are matters the Prime Minister needs to address – and quickly.

Olivia Caisley
Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic, thank you for your time today and for your insights.

Senator Maria Kovacic
Thank you.

ENDS

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