Bullies within the Liberal Party must be dealt with and efforts made to get more women in parliament, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told his federal party.
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NSW Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis is quitting at the next election, citing bullies in her local branch and at a state party level.
It's another blow for Mr Morrison, who is also losing at least two other women MPs from the lower house at the next federal poll.
"Ann raised a number of genuine concerns with me regarding her treatment in her local Federal Electoral Conference within the New South Wales division of the Liberal Party of Australia," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Monday.
"This is in addition to complaints I have received from other colleagues about processes in the party's organisational wing."
Mr Morrison on Monday asked the federal executive of the Liberals to ensure there is "a rigorous and confidential process" to deal with concerns and complaints from party members, including MPs.
"This new arrangement will ensure that the organisational wing of the party has the same processes and upholds the same values," he said.
Mr Morrison also wants "concrete plans" to ensure the party attracts and supports outstanding male and female candidates.
"I continue to make it clear that I want to see more women in the federal parliament," he said.
"The federal and state branches of the Liberal Party will work towards that outcome."
South Australian senator Lucy Gichuhi threatened to name Liberal colleagues accused of bullying during the leadership crisis, while her Victorian colleague Julia Banks opted to quit politics altogether.
Queensland Liberal Jane Prentice is also leaving politics after she lost her preselection contest.
Just under one in four Liberal MPs are women, compared to almost 50 per cent in Labor ranks.
Australian Associated Press
