It was no surprise the conservative side of politics had an issue with the proposed changes, and three Nationals senators felt so strongly about the hate law bill to cross the floor in Federal Parliament, resulting in their resignation from the Coalition front bench.
The Liberals sided with Labor to pass laws enabling extremist groups promoting hate to be banned, stronger powers for visas to be cancelled, and increased penalties for religious leaders promoting violence.
The entire Nationals front-bench, including Member for Mallee Anne Webster, followed suit, quitting the shadow ministry, effectively ending the Liberal-National Coalition – again.
The two parties split immediately after last year’s election but it was short-lived – reuniting to form a Coalition under the leadership of Sussan Ley.
The Nationals will now go it alone on the crossbench, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying this would not change while Ms Ley remained leader.
Integral in all of this is Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, who is reported to have persuaded his colleagues the laws could be used to ban a much wider set of groups – not just extremist groups.
So while many are speculating about the future leadership position of Ms Ley, where does it leave the Nationals’ federal leadership?
No matter who is leader, in order to form an alliance to gain enough seats to win government, the Liberals and Nationals are going to have to marry up with someone ahead of the next federal election.
Speaking of leadership, and the conservative side of politics, the Victorian Liberals again have their own issues in the party room.
With Jess Wilson in the top job since being elected in November – the third in a year – the role of deputy is now up for grabs.
And a former Horsham man is putting his hand up.
Chris Crewther, Member for Mornington, is said to be pushing for the deputy role, held by the outgoing Sam Groth.
Mr Crewther, who grew up in Horsham and ran as the Liberal candidate in the seat of Mallee in the 2013 federal election, is touted to challenge David Southwick for the job at a partyroom meeting.
The backroom happenings at both a federal and state level does nothing to enhance the Coalition’s chances of actually winning an election.
Just when you think Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s reputation has taken a hit after the Bondi attacks, the reoccurring instability behind the scenes of the Coalition rears its head.
Mr Albanese must be sitting back, rubbing his hands together, and grinning like a Cheshire cat at what has unfolded with the Coalition last week. It certainly takes the heat off him – at least for a while.
But are either side of politics that different – we’ve seen probably as many backroom dramas with Labor over the years.
My political wish for 2026: Can we just have parties that focus on governing this country, and state, without the internal imploding and distraction away from what they are employed to do?
The entire January 28, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire January 28, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
