Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie has been appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, in a move that further elevates her role within the Coalition’s shadow ministry. She will continue to serve as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning alongside her new responsibilities.
Read: Susan Ley Announces Changes to the Shadow Ministry
In announcing her appointment, Ms McKenzie said she was “honoured” to take on the position. She expressed appreciation for outgoing Shadow Cabinet Secretary Andrew Wallace MP, noting his “outstanding work” and calling him a “fine friend” who will serve excellently as Shadow Attorney-General. She also congratulated Senator Jonno Duniam on his appointment to Home Affairs, praising his background in education.
In relation to her education portfolio work, Ms McKenzie welcomed Julian Leeser MP to the education shadow ministry, remarking on their long personal connection:
“Julian and I have been friends for 25 years and I look forward to picking up our former work together in this critical portfolio area.”
The role of Shadow Cabinet Secretary involves managing the procedural and operational functions of the Shadow Cabinet while also contributing to the Coalition’s policy agenda. Ms McKenzie said the position would be integral to restoring public confidence:
“The Coalition has a responsibility to reflect on the lessons of the last election and put forward policies that meet the needs of all Australians — whether they live in our cities, suburbs, or regions.”
Ms McKenzie holds a background as an employment lawyer and policy adviser, with experience across education, skills and training, industrial relations, telecommunications, arts and sport. She said these credentials had prepared her for the expanded role.
She also expressed support for Cameron Caldwell MP, newly appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health, describing mental health as a portfolio “central to the wellbeing of Australians” and one requiring high integrity in government.
Background: Flinders, McKenzie’s Election and Re-Election
Zoe McKenzie was first elected to the Division of Flinders in May 2022, winning the seat for the Liberals. Flinders (on the southern Mornington Peninsula) is a long-standing Liberal-leaning electorate, though it has become more marginal in recent cycles.
In the 2025 federal election, her re-election contest in Flinders became one of the tighter battles in Victoria. The vote count was protracted, with the Australian Electoral Commission first conducting a three-candidate preferred count, before reverting to a two-candidate preferred count once it was clear that independent Ben Smith and Ms McKenzie were the final pair.
Ben Smith ultimately conceded as the result became clear. The final declared two-candidate preferred tally showed Ms McKenzie with 60,090 votes to Smith’s 54,833 — a margin of 5,257. In the lead up, significant swings were reported against the Liberals in Flinders (as high as a 6.32 % swing in interim counts).
In issuing a statement after the election, Ms McKenzie said she was “humbled and grateful to receive a vote of confidence from the people of Flinders”.
