Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
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”.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like

Victoria Charts Next Steps Following Historic Treaty Milestone

Victoria has become the first state to pass legislation enabling a Treaty…

Discover the $53k Pay Challenge Impacting Australians: The Age When It Strikes Most

By the time a woman is in her 50s, she is more…
A father is holding his crying baby boy.

Australian Parents Risk Jail Over Controversial Medical Diagnosis

Globally, the legitimacy of shaken baby syndrome has come under scrutiny, raising…
Karla Anne Drescher was found in bed at the hotel near Kata Beach in the tourist hot spot of Phuket on Monday.

Enigma Shrouds Darwin Mother’s Tragic Passing During ‘Bucket List’ Vacation in Thailand

A 47-year-old woman from New Zealand, who was on what her family…
Police were called to a home in Kearsley, in Cessnock about 7.30 last night.

Brave 7-Year-Old Hero Alerts Authorities After Tragic Domestic Violence Incident in Hunter Valley

Authorities report that a child sought assistance after their mother was tragically…

Pioneering Aged Care Reform Set to Safeguard Elderly Rights Amid Concerns of Potential Adverse Effects

Once-in-a-generation aged care reforms have taken effect, promising to improve the quality…
Trump administration must use emergency funds to cover food stamps, judges say

Judges Rule Trump Administration Required to Utilize Emergency Funds for Food Stamps

Two federal judges said yesterday that the Trump administration must tap into…
Displaced families from el-Fasher at a displacement camp where they sought refuge from fighting between government forces and the RSF, in Tawila, Darfur region

Unraveling the Horror: Wave after Wave of Militia Attacks on Darfur Hospital, WHO Reports

A horrific attack at a hospital in Sudan’s Darfur region has left…

Trump Remains Noncommittal on Potential Resumption of Underground Nuclear Testing

President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Saturday that the US would resume nuclear…
Byford party

Wild Halloween Party in Perth Spirals Out of Control

An out-of-control Halloween party in Perth‘s south-east was broken up by police…
England fell to yet another one-day defeat in New Zealand to whitewash the series 3-0 against

England Faces Another Defeat in New Zealand: Harry Brook and Team Secure 3-0 Pre-Ashes Series Sweep in Wellington

The pattern of England’s losses in one-day matches has become so predictable…
China's Xi in the limelight at Pacific summit with Trump conspicuous by his absence

Xi Jinping Steals the Spotlight at Pacific Summit Amid Trump’s Notable Absence

This week, South Korea plays host to a significant summit, drawing leaders…