Born in Nigeria to British parents*, Sussan Ley spent her early childhood in the United Arab Emirates, before migrating to Australia at the age of 13 with her parents and older brother.

Schooled in the U.K., QLD and ACT, later tertiary study led to a Bachelor of Economics, Master of Taxation Law and a Master of Accounting. Before entering Federal Parliament, her career path was wonderfully varied, providing a range of ‘real life’ experiences.

Developing an early fascination with the skies and flying, a young Sussan worked a variety of odd jobs and hours to finance this passion, obtaining a Commercial Pilot’s License which she still holds.

This interest also led to work as an air traffic controller with Sydney and Melbourne Airports, aerial stock-mustering in outback New South Wales and Queensland before life on the land as a shed hand / shearers’ cook through a large chunk of rural Australia.

During a livestock and dairy farming partnership (near Tallangatta in North East Victoria) of seventeen years, Sussan experienced the highs and lows that routinely test the resolve of farming families.

Starting university when her first child turned one, would lead to ten years of part time study on the way to three children and three finance degrees. During this period Sussan certainly gained a deep appreciation of and continued support for rural-based educational institutions.

Still helping manage the farm Sussan took up a position with the Australian Taxation Office at Albury, graduating to the role of Director, Technical Training before seeking Liberal Party pre-selection for the Federal seat of Farrer in 2001.

The local election result was undecided for ten days with the new MP eventually installed by just 206 votes, a friend sending a congratulatory reminder that the Cessna 206, a popular bush utility plane, was also her favourite aircraft.

Returned as the Member for Farrer at eight subsequent elections, she has held responsibility across a range of portfolio and policy areas in both government and opposition, and elected Leader of the Liberal Party in May 2025.

First and foremost a local MP, Sussan regards it as an honour to represent the people who live in a substantial part of regional NSW, making time to routinely travel throughout the electorate to listen to the views and concerns of her constituents.

She has become a strong advocate for many rural and regional issues, especially those which assist in bridging the ‘city v country divide’. She is particularly passionate about fostering decentralisation, supporting our farmers, home grown food security, balancing water for agriculture and the environment as well as improving services for rural health.

Other interests and pursuits include an abiding interest in Middle Eastern politics, fitness and cycling and relaxing back with a ripping yarn, usually a true crime thriller.

Residing in Albury, Sussan maintains her enthusiasm for all things aeronautical, handy when getting around an electorate of 126 590 square kilometres, roughly the same size as New Zealand.

Perhaps little wonder she was dubbed early in her political career the ‘Farrer Flier’.

*Citizenship status