The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has warmly congratulated Kellie Sloane MP on her election as leader of the NSW Liberal Party, describing her as “a steadfast and vocal ally” of the Jewish community.
Sloane was elected unopposed at a party room meeting on Friday morning, becoming the first woman to lead the NSW Liberals. Her elevation came less than three years after she was first elected, with the Vaucluse MP having met with ousted leader Mark Speakman on Thursday requesting he stand down.
Speakman resigned on Thursday afternoon after months of speculation about his leadership. Despite insisting earlier in the day he intended to stay on, he ultimately conceded the ongoing internal noise had made his position untenable.
The only other contender, Alister Henskens, bowed out of the race late on Thursday after conceding he did not have the numbers to force a contest.
“Kellie is a long-standing friend of our community, representing the electorate of Vaucluse, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in NSW,” the JBD said in a statement. “Few parliamentarians know the Jewish community better than Kellie. She has been a steadfast and vocal ally during the community’s most difficult period over the past two years, and has consistently stood up for the Jewish community with strength and compassion.”
The JBD paid tribute to Speakman, describing him as “an individual of the highest integrity, principle and decency”.
“Throughout his public life, and particularly during his time as Attorney-General and later as Opposition Leader, he has been a true friend of the Jewish community and has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice and the wellbeing of all NSW citizens,” the organisation said.
“As Attorney-General, Mr Speakman oversaw the passage of historic incitement laws in 2018 and played a pivotal role in legislation banning the public display of Nazi symbols in NSW. These measures have made our state a safer and more respectful place for all.”
The JBD said Speakman had demonstrated “principled leadership and moral clarity” as Opposition Leader, supporting legislation offering greater protection to the Jewish community on a bipartisan basis.
“He has been an unwavering friend and supporter of our community and consistently picked up the phone to check in on our wellbeing and offer his support throughout the tumult of the past two years. Notably, Mark was also the first to reach out as the tragic events of October 7 were still unfolding in Israel, and made a point of spending considerable time with members of the Jewish community in the days that followed.”
Sloane told waiting media on Friday morning, “A united Liberal party room endorsed me as their new leader, and it’s an incredible honour, huge responsibility, one I don’t take lightly. I’m ready to work for NSW.”
Opposition Whip Adam Crouch confirmed Natalie Ward retains the position of deputy leader, making the NSW Liberals’ leadership team all-female for the first time.
Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to both leaders, describing Speakman as “one of the gentlemen” in Australian politics and Sloane as “a really lovely person”.
Sloane, who entered Parliament in 2023, told The AJN after her election in Vaucluse, “I look forward to having more engagement with the Jewish community. The community was so generous to me in the campaign period.”
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