SYDNEY, 15 February 2026 – Charlotte Mortlock, the former Sky News journalist turned political strategist, continues to expand her influence within the Australian Liberal Party through her leadership of Hilma’s Network. As of mid-February 2026, Mortlock has shifted her focus toward executive education and systemic reform to address the Coalition’s long-standing “woman problem.”
Latest Updates: Harvard Education and Media Strategy
In the past week, Mortlock has been engaged in intensive professional development, participating in the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education programme, “Leading through the Changing Media Landscape.” According to recent updates from 10 February 2026, she has been attending classes during the early morning hours (1 am – 5 am AEST) to complete the prestigious course.
This move comes as Mortlock remains a vocal advocate for modernising the Liberal Party’s approach to female voters. Recent reports from The Sydney Morning Herald highlight her ongoing work with Hilma’s Network, an organisation she founded following the 2022 Federal Election to boost female representation and engagement within the party. Her recent commentary has focused on purging harmful algorithms and reforming social media, arguing that the party must move beyond “culture-war rhetoric” to win back professional women.
Hilma’s Network and Political Impact
Founded in the wake of Scott Morrison’s 2022 election defeat, Hilma’s Network—named after Hilma Molyneux Parkes, who founded the Women’s Liberal League in 1910—serves as a recruitment and networking hub. Mortlock’s primary goal is to create a “pipeline” for centre-right women who may feel alienated by the current political climate.
Mortlock has been a key figure in recent Victorian Liberal Party developments, notably supporting the leadership transition where Brad Battin replaced John Pesutto. Her influence is increasingly seen as vital for the party’s survival in suburban and metropolitan seats where female voters have shifted toward “Teal” independents or Labor.
Professional Profile and Background
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Executive Director, Hilma’s Network |
| Former Career | Television News Reporter (Sky News Australia) |
| Education (Recent) | Harvard Kennedy School (Executive Education, 2026) |
| Key Advocacy Areas | Female political recruitment, Social media reform, Algorithm transparency |
Public Discourse and Policy Stance
Mortlock has consistently warned the Liberal Party against using divisive language, such as labelling women “woke,” which she argues alienates the very demographic the party needs to reclaim. In late 2025, she was a prominent voice in the debate over banning social media for under-16s, arguing that “Big Tech” does not prioritise human well-being and that legislative intervention is necessary to protect the next generation of Australians.
Her transition from journalism to political advocacy was sparked by her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, she famously quit her reporting role, stating that the personal toll of the pandemic and the nature of the news cycle led her to seek a more direct way to influence Australian society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hilma’s Network?
Hilma’s Network is a grassroots organisation founded by Charlotte Mortlock to recruit, connect, and support women within the Liberal Party of Australia. It focuses on making the party more accessible to professional women who share centre-right values.
Why did Charlotte Mortlock leave journalism?
Mortlock left her career as a television reporter in August 2021, citing the emotional exhaustion of covering the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to pursue work that felt more personally meaningful and impactful.
What is her stance on social media?
Mortlock is a strong advocate for social media reform. She has publicly supported age limits for social media use (specifically for those under 16) and has called for a “purge” of algorithms that she believes contribute to radicalisation and mental health issues.