Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has outlined a potential peace deal to reunite the fractured Coalition, with a key provision requiring three National senators who defied the shadow cabinet to sit on the backbench for six months. The proposal comes amid ongoing negotiations to mend the alliance after last month's split, which saw the Nationals walk out of the shadow ministry.
Details of the Proposed Agreement
Ley briefed Liberal MPs on the terms of the deal following talks with Nationals leader David Littleproud on Monday night. The major sticking point in the discussions has been the status of the three former frontbenchers – Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell, and Susan McDonald – who voted against Labor's hate speech laws. Under Ley's offer, these senators would not be permitted to rejoin the shadow cabinet until their suspension expires in July 2026.
Key Components of the Peace Deal
The proposed agreement includes several critical elements designed to restore stability and discipline within the Coalition:
- The three National senators would be suspended from the shadow cabinet for a six-month period, during which they must remain on the backbench.
- The Nationals would retain the right to choose which of their MPs replace the suspended trio in the shadow cabinet positions.
- Both parties would commit to adhering to shadow cabinet solidarity, with neither side having the authority to overturn decisions made by the shadow cabinet.
- The Liberals are seeking to regain the assistant treasury portfolio, which was allocated to the Nationals after the 2025 federal election, with the skills portfolio potentially offered in exchange.
Background of the Coalition Split
The current rift was triggered by Ley's decision to accept the resignations of McKenzie, Cadell, and McDonald after they crossed the floor to oppose the government's hate speech legislation. This move prompted the Nationals to withdraw from the shadow ministry, marking the second breakdown of the Coalition partnership within eight months. The two parties are now set to sit separately when parliament resumes, underscoring the urgency of the reunification talks.
Political Implications and Next Steps
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Ley did not face a snap leadership spill at Tuesday's meeting, as conservative rival Angus Taylor continues to bide his time before potentially mounting a challenge. The Nationals party room is convening on Tuesday morning to consider Ley's offer, with further details expected to emerge as discussions progress.
The outcome of these talks will have significant ramifications for the opposition's cohesion and effectiveness in holding the Labor government to account. As both parties navigate this delicate period, the focus remains on whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies the Nationals' demands while maintaining the Liberals' authority and the Coalition's united front.
