Good morning and welcome to Guardian Australia's comprehensive live news coverage for today. The political landscape in Australia is facing significant upheaval as the immediate future of opposition leader Sussan Ley hangs in the balance.
Coalition Breakup Sparks Leadership Uncertainty
The Coalition's recent disintegration this week, triggered by a heated dispute over Labor's contentious hate speech legislation, has plunged the opposition into a state of flux. According to well-placed Liberal sources, this internal rift has created a power vacuum, with senior figures Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie emerging as the frontrunners to potentially succeed Ley.
Timing of a Potential Challenge
Insiders within the Liberal Party suggest that a formal leadership challenge could begin to take shape as early as today, adding urgency to the political drama. The situation remains fluid, with party members closely monitoring developments as they unfold throughout the day.
Additional News: NSW Beaches Reopen for Long Weekend
In other developments across the country, authorities have announced that all New South Wales beaches are expected to be accessible this long weekend. This comes as a relief to residents and tourists alike, following a concerning week marked by multiple shark attacks that had prompted safety closures and heightened vigilance along the coastline.
Stay with us for continuous updates and in-depth analysis on these and other breaking stories throughout the day.
