Andrew Hastie refutes resignation rumors linked to leadership challenge

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Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has justified his choice to step down from the party’s leadership team and dismissed any intention of vying for the top position.

On Friday, while announcing his departure from the Opposition front bench, the ex-SAS soldier expressed his desire for greater freedom to voice opinions on immigration policy by relocating to the back bench.

Members of the shadow cabinet are obligated to maintain solidarity with policy and are not permitted to vote against a party stance, whereas backbenchers have the leeway to do so.

“As a party, we’re undergoing a period of renewal, and I want the ability to speak on the issues I am passionate about,” Hastie stated to reporters in Perth on Saturday.

“To maintain the integrity of shadow cabinet solidarity, I needed to step back.

“On the back bench, I will continue championing causes I believe in.”

Hastie was the Opposition’s home affairs spokesperson, which typically includes immigration as a junior portfolio.

Liberal senator Paul Scarr, the Coalition’s immigration spokesperson, offers a more moderate voice as he pushes greater focus on multiculturalism and repairing damaged ties with migrant communities.

Opposition leader apologises to Indian Australian community over Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's migration remarks

Price was ousted from the shadow ministry after refusing to retract comments offensive to Indian Australians, alleging that Labor was increasing the diaspora to secure more votes.

Ley and Hastie are at odds over his resignation, with the West Australian reporting he quit because he wasn’t being given a big enough say in policy.

But Ley said he didn’t raise policy matters when he called to inform her on Friday.

Asked about specifics on Saturday, Hastie said he wouldn’t get into the details.

‘I support Sussan’

The Liberals have not locked in any immigration policies as they undertake a major review following their crushing election defeat in May.

Hastie’s resignation came just days after Ley wrote to her senior team, outlining policy priorities in their portfolios and her expectations about solidarity, including in public commentary.

Hastie denied he intended to challenge Ley’s leadership and said no-one had approached him to.

“I support Sussan. I tried to do this in good faith,” he said.

“I want to give her the clear air and the opportunity to build a policy platform for the 2028 election.”

Asked if the move undermined Ley, who has been dealing with an outspoken backbench, he said the political profession was one “where convictions matter”.

“Everyone knows politics is full of uncertainty, and this is just one of those moments,” he said.

Liberal frontbencher James Paterson expressed respect for Hastie’s choice, acknowledging the resignation as a sign of “integrity,” but warned that the party must eventually come together.

“It’s not surprising after the largest defeat in the Liberal Party’s history … there’s a period of debate and introspection and discussion about the future direction of the party.

“But that can’t go on forever. That’s something that is appropriate at the start of the term, but if we’re still doing this in a year or two’s time … that will be to our political detriment.”

Liberal senator Jane Hume said while losing Hastie from the front bench was a blow, “we’re such a small and depleted team after the last election, everybody … has to stump up and pull their weight”.