Australia's Liberal-National Coalition, the principal opposition bloc in the nation, announced its reunion on Sunday, more than two weeks following a contentious split over hate speech legislation. Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley affirmed the coalition's intention to focus on future objectives, stating, The Coalition is back together and looking to the future, not to the past, alongside National Party leader David Littleproud in Canberra.
The coalition's fracture occurred on January 22, when the National Party resisted government reforms that aimed to address hate speech following a tragic attack at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead. Littleproud expressed disappointment over the rift, acknowledging the disagreement arose from significant ideological differences.
The Coalition has faced challenges after a significant electoral defeat last year, marking this split as their second in less than a year. The previous division in May was attributed mainly to disagreements over climate policies but was resolved rapidly. In stark contrast, the current split stems from the Labor government's hastily proposed hate speech reforms following the Bondi Beach incident.
While the Liberal Party supported the government’s measures, the Nationals opposed it, claiming the proposed laws threatened free speech and had been rushed through. Notably, the legislation aims to prohibit groups promoting hate and impose stricter penalties on incitement to violence.
In response to recent hardships, Ley emphasized the coalition’s duty to regain governance and mentioned the shared commitment that neither member could unilaterally overturn decisions made by their joint shadow cabinet. This reunion deeply reflects the evolving dynamics of Australian politics, especially as they attempt to combat the rising influence of populist factions such as Pauline Hanson’s anti-immigration One Nation party.
Traditionally representing more conservative regional interests, the National Party has long been allied with the Liberals since the 1940s; the last notable split occurred in 1987 before this recent wave of disruptions.
