Coalition reunion on cards as leaders resume talks
The Liberals have paused an announcement of the party’s shadow cabinet as the former coalition parties try to make up after their shock break up.
The Coalition could reunite just days after its shock split as the Liberal Party delays the announcement of its shadow cabinet to allow time for crisis talks between the two parties.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud revealed he will give the Liberals more time to discuss his party’s policy requests after he blew up the coalition’s decades-long partnership.
He has paused his attempt to announce portfolios for his party and in return Liberals leader Sussan Ley will not unveil her shadow ministry, which was set to be announced by the end of the week.
“This is a positive step forward – one in which we’ve always said we’d be productive and constructive,” Littleproud said in Canberra on Thursday.
“We didn’t do what we did on Tuesday lightly – it was a tough decision, a huge decision, and we in a sign of good faith, have made it clear that I’m prepared to pause my announcement today.”
Ley said the Nationals indicated said they were willing to accept shadow cabinet solidarity as part of a coalition agreement.
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“This is the first time this commitment has been made and I welcome it as a foundation to resolve other matters,” she said.
“Earlier today I wrote to, and met with, David inviting him to re-enter good-faith negotiations. I am pleased he has accepted.
“It has always been the Liberal Party’s objective to form a coalition and we welcome the Nationals’ decision to re-enter negotiations.”
The Nationals’ Kevin Hogan, David Littleproud and Bridget McKenzie previously announced the party was splitting from the Liberals. Image: Mick Tsikas/AAP
The Nationals allege the break up occurred because they could not secure commitments on key policies.
The Liberals claimed the conservative relationship collapsed due to a disagreement over shadow cabinet solidarity, which binds members to publicly support collective decisions, even if they disagree internally.
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Littleproud said his previous negotiations with Ley centred on four non-negotiable policies.
These included support for nuclear energy, break-up powers for supermarkets, a regional Australia future fund and reliable telco coverage in rural areas.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott said the political divorce was understandable, but regrettable.
“Let’s get over the electoral PTSD and let’s get back together again as quickly as possible,” he said.
“If the Libs and the Nats go their separate ways, we won’t have one strong opposition – we’ll have two opposition parties that are fighting each other as much as they’re fighting a bad government.”
Former Nationals leader Ian Sinclair is certain the coalition will reform. Image: Stefan Postles/AAP
It comes as the man who led the Nationals during the party’s last divorce from the Liberals believes the coalition partners will eventually reunite.
Ian Sinclair was leader of the Nationals during the coalition’s five-month split in 1987.
He is confident the latest trial separation will not last forever, saying a split after an election wasn’t unusual and issues would eventually be resolved.
“It has happened before and will happen again,” Sinclair said.
“It’s quite a healthy thing.”
