Kaitlyn Smith: Why I’m proud to be labelled the ‘biggest threat’ to conservatives

As a single woman in my 30s, I am proud to be known as the “biggest threat” to the Liberals — but this should be the least of the party’s concerns.

Single 20 and 30-somethings are one of the most ‘disturbing trends’ threatening the Liberal Party, according to new data. Source: Broad City

I am single, in my 30s and as of this week proud to be known as the “biggest threat” to Australia’s Liberal Party.

Truly, this news has made my entire month.

Nick Cater of The Australian, a well-known conservative voice, declared the rise of single 20 and 30-somethings one of the most “disturbing trends” threatening the party, according to new data.

At first, his words held a familiar sting not too dissimilar from a distant relative’s look of pity when I turn up to yet another Christmas without a partner.

But why are we perceived to be the problem yet again?

Surely a logical solution would be to look deep within the party and ask what about it does not resonate with women. Perhaps its policies aren’t quite hitting the mark for us?

We want action on climate change, we want leaders who actually hear our concerns.

We want a party that prioritises women’s rights as well as the more marginalised communities.

Perhaps the echo of former prime minister Scott Morrison’s “Jenny has a way of clarifying things” regarding the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins still haunts us.

Current Liberal and National Party members – one in particular who is in the mid of a serious, and in my humble opinion, impossible image overhaul – don’t exactly exude warmth either.

Former prime minister and LNP leader Scott Morrison didn’t really appeal to many female-identifying people. Picture: Martin Ollman

This year, the LNP recorded its lowest female representation in parliament since 1993 – women hold just nine of its 42 seats in the lower house, according to the ABC.

One anonymous female MP told the broadcaster the party was in deep denial about the extent of its disconnect with female voters.

Still, some LNP associates insist it is single women who are the problem, as those of us who aren’t coupled up could in no way act or think rationally.

In reality, we’re becoming more educated. Half of women aged 25-44 now hold a bachelor degree compared to 39 per cent of similarly aged men, according to the ABS.

More females – just over 690,400 – are enrolled in higher education courses than men (495,019). I’m damn well sure a fair portion of those women are single.

Just like the party he supports, Cater is missing two crucial things – perspective and sympathy.

We are not the threat. We are merely using our voices and refusing to accept a false narrative.

It would best serve Cater and any like-minded conservatives to remember this when they next question why we are shying away from our “older and wiser” counterparts.

Originally published as Kaitlyn Smith: Why I’m proud to be labelled the ‘biggest threat’ to conservatives