In a dramatic political rupture, Nationals leader David Littleproud has declared his party "cannot be part of a shadow ministry under Sussan Ley" following a mass frontbench walkout on Wednesday. The move plunges the Coalition into crisis, with Littleproud labelling the partnership "untenable" after Ley accepted the resignations of three Nationals senators.
Coalition Split Over Hate Speech Legislation
The exodus was triggered by Ley's decision to accept resignations from Nationals senators Ross Cadell, Bridget McKenzie, and Susan McDonald. The trio had crossed the floor to oppose hate speech laws drafted in response to the Bondi massacre, a stance adopted by the Nationals party room that put them at odds with the Liberals and shadow cabinet agreements.
Littleproud emphasised he had attempted to engage in "good faith" but warned Ley that accepting the resignations would lead to the entire Nationals frontbench walking out. "She was aware of the consequences if she did that," he stated, "the National party were being forced into an untenable position, and she still made that decision."
Failed Crisis Talks and Resignations
On Wednesday night, Ley urged Littleproud and his ministers to reconsider, insisting that eight additional resignations submitted after crisis talks were unnecessary. She called on the Nationals leader "not to walk away from the Coalition." However, Littleproud was resolute, telling journalists, "No, it's done, I spoke to Sussan Ley half an hour ago."
He clarified that the Nationals were not offering resignations for Ley to accept or reject but were formally tendering them, underscoring the finality of the split. Littleproud also pointed fingers at broader political mismanagement, noting, "This process wasn't all Sussan Ley's fault. Anthony Albanese put her in this process. But it has been mismanaged by Sussan Ley."
Ley's Response and Historical Context
Shortly after Littleproud's press conference, Ley released a statement urging focus on the national day of mourning for the Bondi terror attack. "This is a national day of mourning and my responsibility as leader of the opposition and leader of the Liberal party is to Australians in mourning," she said.
This is not the first time the Coalition has fractured recently. After the May election, the Nationals attempted to pressure Ley into adopting policies on nuclear energy, a regional future fund, and supermarket breakup powers. The two leaders returned to negotiations within 48 hours, reuniting the Coalition a week later, but the current dispute appears more entrenched.
The walkout highlights deep ideological divides within the opposition, particularly on sensitive issues like hate speech legislation. As details continue to emerge, the future of the Coalition remains uncertain, with Littleproud's declaration signalling a significant political realignment.
