According to a key figure, “She was well aware of the repercussions that awaited if she chose to accept the resignations of three senators, effectively placing the National Party in an untenable position.” He continued, “Nonetheless, she proceeded with that decision.”

David Littleproud, along with his fellow senators who opposed the government’s hate speech legislation, was also cognizant of the outcomes. Within the Coalition’s framework, cabinet solidarity is a critical tenet.

Describing the situation, 9News political editor Charles Croucher remarked, “This action is both honorable and noble, aligning with the spirit of a day of mourning.” However, he pointed out a potential downside, noting, “It’s also creating a vacuum, allowing others, particularly her critics, to dominate the conversation.”

Croucher further speculated, “This situation might very well signal the end of her tenure in the leadership role.”

“But it’s also leaving a lot of airtime to be filled by others, and they will be those who are against her.

“That could be the final death knell for her in that leadership position.”

This one appears far less salvageable – the only cure that could bring the two parties back together is Ley’s removal.

“We cannot be part of a shadow ministry under Sussan Ley,” Littleproud said.

It leaves the Liberal Party with two options: find a new leader, or continue as the opposition on its own, with fewer than 40 lower house MPs to counter the government’s 94.

“It is a mess. That is the only word for it,” Croucher said.

“It’s a mess that’s going claim at least one scalp at some point in the coming weeks, because clearly David Littleproud and Sussan Ley can’t work together.”

It’s those numbers in parliament that made Ley’s decision to accept the resignations of the three Nationals senators who broke shadow cabinet solidarity so risky.

“You’re flexing muscles you don’t have,” Croucher said.

“There is no room to be this boisterous and stand up to the Nationals, because this is the consequence: the Coalition is split, the opposition looks feeble, and the government’s getting a free ride to start 2026.”

Making matters worse for the now-extinct Coalition is the fact this asteroid was entirely self-inflicted.

The opposition insisted parliament be urgently recalled to pass legislation following the Bondi shooting, only to rupture over the lack of time they had to examine those laws.

“The Coalition demanded parliament comes back – parliament comes back,” Croucher said

“The Coalition demands that parliament splits the bill – the government splits the bill. 

“And still, they’ve split Coalition on this… 

“It’s a remarkable self-inflicted wound, but it’s coming from a party that’s been inflicting wounds on itself now for the better part of four years, and it will just continue in the four weeks ahead.”