The Coalition is on the brink of collapse again after every Nationals MP in the shadow cabinet quit their positions, including leader David Littleproud.
The crisis began when Nationals frontbenchers Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell were dumped after voting against Labor’s hate crimes bill.
The implosion has put further pressure on Opposition Sussan Ley and paves the way for a second coalition split in just seven months.
Ley is yet to respond to the crisis this morning, but in a statement overnight said she did not want to accept the resignations and urged them to reconsider their decision.
“This evening, I spoke with Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, and strongly urged him not to walk away from the Coalition,” she said.
“I have received additional offers of resignation from National Party Shadow Ministers, which I and my Liberal Leadership Group have determined are unnecessary.
“The Liberal Party supports the Coalition arrangements because they deliver the most effective political alliance for good government. I note that in David’s letter, he has not indicated that the Nationals are leaving the Coalition.
“No permanent changes will be made to the Shadow Ministry at this time, giving the National Party time to reconsider these offers of resignation”.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has slammed the Coalition, accusing them of taking the spotlight away from the victims of the Bondi terror attack.
“It’s very disappointing that the Coalition made this week all about themselves and their own chaos and division,” she said.
“After calling for parliament to be returned, after calling for stronger laws, they haven’t backed those stronger laws.”
Plibersek noted that it was a bad look given today is the National Day of Mourning, describing the breakdown as a “sad day for Australia”.
“I mean, they’re not even a Coalition anymore. They’re falling apart at the seams at a time when we need stability and unity and adult behaviour in this country,” she added.
“I mean, honestly, Australians expect their government to behave in an adult fashion, to pass laws that give stronger protections at a time when the nation’s worried.
“They want to see that our parliamentary leaders are focused on the safety of the nation, the social cohesion of the nation, bringing Australians together, keeping them safe. And instead, the Coalition have focused on themselves.”
