Sussan Ley is engaging in what she describes as “constructive conversations” with David Littleproud, expressing her readiness to realign with the Nationals. However, she has set a condition: three senators who recently defied party lines on hate speech legislation must be suspended from the shadow cabinet for six months.
The Liberals are also insistent on a further condition. They seek an agreement ensuring that neither party room has the power to overturn decisions made by the shadow cabinet. This demand follows the actions of Bridget McKenzie, Ross Cadell, and Susan McDonald, who broke ranks and voted against the hate speech bill in the Senate.
David Littleproud, leading the Nationals, stated that the party is planning to “take our time to consider the details” of Ley’s proposal. He emphasized the importance of a thoughtful approach, saying, “The Nationals are united in our endeavors to reset the Coalition, but we won’t be providing updates on any negotiations through the media.”
Littleproud added, “It’s important we take the time to get the settings right.” If the negotiations between the two parties, currently at odds, prove successful, the Coalition could potentially be reformed as early as this week.
“It’s important we take the time to get the settings right.”
If negotiations between the two embittered parties reach an agreement, the Coalition could re-form this week.
But Littleproud is so far keeping tight-lipped on the future of the alliance, noting his party room “remains focused on the issues that matter to Australians, including protecting our rights and freedoms.”
Members of both parties congregated at St Paul’s Canberra church this morning for a traditional service to mark the beginning of the parliamentary year.
Nationals MPs there seemed to believe that a Hail Mary would be needed to soothe the rift between the parties.
“That’s where we need divine intervention,” LNP MP Scott Buchholz said.
“I’ll be praying for that, that’s exactly what I’ll be praying for,” Nationals MP Michael McCormack said of a Coalition reunion.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
