Liberal Leadership Expresses Disappointment Over National Party Split
The Nationals have departed from the 80-year-old Coalition, citing differences over policy regarding nuclear energy, divestiture laws, and funding priorities for regional areas.
The Liberal Party has voiced its disappointment over the Nationals’ formal exit from the Coalition agreement, releasing a carefully crafted statement to address the breakdown.
“It is disappointing that the National Party has made the decision to leave the Coalition today,” said Sussan Ley, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Party, along with her deputy Ted O’Brien, in a joint statement following Nationals leader David Littleproud’s announcement on May 20.
Littleproud pointed to a misalignment in priorities, specifically regarding nuclear energy, supermarket divestiture laws, and a proposed $20 billion regional Future Fund, as reasons for the split.
The Liberals mentioned that they are currently reviewing their election policies after the Coalition’s significant defeat on May 3, but clarified that this review “does not mean any specific policy will be abandoned, nor that every one will be adopted.”
The statement emphasized that the Liberal Party was still open to maintaining the partnership, including through the establishment of a joint shadow ministry.
“In good faith, the Liberals proposed forming a joint Coalition shadow ministry now, allowing for separate policy development within each party and the usual collaborative decision-making for joint policy positions,” the statement highlighted.
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Split Dims Opposition Strength
With the departure of the Nationals, the Liberals reaffirm their status as the official opposition but caution that the split has weakened their overall influence.
“As the largest non-government party, the Liberal Party is the official opposition,” the statement confirmed, noting the Nationals will no longer occupy roles within the shadow cabinet.
The Liberals emphasized their insistence on maintaining shadow cabinet unity as a crucial condition for any Coalition agreement.
However, this condition was “not explicitly agreed to by the Nationals.”
‘Door Remains Open’
The Liberal Party has expressed its willingness for future collaboration.
“The Liberal Party’s door remains open to the Nationals should they wish to rejoin the Coalition before the next election,” the statement indicated.
Nationals Say It Was a ‘Principled Position’
Just hours prior to the statement, Littleproud explained the decision was made respectfully after discussions with Ley and characterized it as “the hardest political decision” of his career.
“There is no animosity, no angst, no heat. It is predicated on respect and understanding,” Littleproud asserted.
While the Nationals have not dismissed the possibility of returning to the Coalition before the next election, Littleproud stated that the decision was essential to provide his party with the opportunity to focus on regional concerns and redefine its identity.
This occurrence marks only the third instance in the Coalition’s 80-year history where the parties have separated at the federal level.
