New generation of Liberals united in push for reforms that help young families

They drive EVs, rent with young families and one has even had a stint as a stay-at-home dad – meet the next generation Liberals trying to reform their party in a bid to win back government.

They drive EVs, rent with young families and one has even had a stint as a stay-at-home dad – meet the next generation Liberals trying to reform their party in a bid to win back government.

Monica Tudehope, Georgia Ryburn and James Wallace are all vying to win by-elections.

Ms Tudehope, the daughter of Liberal elder Damien Tudehope, is standing in her former boss Dominic Perrottet’s old seat of ­Epping. He had a comfortable margin of 4.8% but anything is possible.

Ms Ryburn is seeking to replace Rory Amon in Pittwater after his shock resignation following child sex abuse charges, which he strongly denies and has indicted he will fight. She has a wafer-thin 0.7% margin.

Mr Wallace is seeking to replace former treasurer Matt Kean in Hornsby, who had a healthy 8% margin.

Monica Tudehope, Georgia Ryburn and James Wallace. Picture: Justin Lloyd

All three are young parents and professionals who say they want the Liberal Party’s next chapter to be about helping people like them: Young families copping the brunt of the cost of living and juggling childcare and housing costs with busy careers.

Ms Tudehope belongs to the party’s right faction while Mr Wallace is a moderate and Ms Ryburn is non-aligned – but despite their factional differences, the trio were united in a push for reforms that help young families.

“I’ve seen first hand how you can use the NSW budget to help family budgets,” Ms Tudehope said of her time working for Mr Perrottet as his policy and finance head.

“I come with the life experience that is about having to juggle children, cost of living, all those very real working things,” she said. “I’m still renting and that’s not something I expected at my age.”

Former Northern Beaches deputy mayor and mum-of-two Ms Ryburn wants more investment in renewables but is also open to investment in nuclear energy.

“We should be looking at all options,” she said.

Mr Wallace, who is seeking to replace former energy minister Mr Kean, is also passionate about lowering energy costs but, where his predecessor has since written off a nuclear solution, he said all options should be considered.

“We need an energy and power system that’s reliable, affordable and sustainable,” he said. “NSW shouldn’t have laws banning nuclear power.”

Hilma’s Network executive director Charlotte Mortlock has been pushing for change within the Liberal Party and said these three were a sign in the right direction.

“The next wave of Liberals is full of energy, innovation and tenacity,” she said.

All three by-elections are on October 19.

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Originally published as New generation of Liberals united in push for reforms that help young families