Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has resigned as shadow home affairs minister, intensifying pressure on opposition leader Sussan Ley. Hastie announced his departure on Friday night, citing a disagreement over immigration policy and his refusal to meet with Ley during her visit to Western Australia this week.
Hastie, a conservative who has openly expressed leadership ambitions, blamed his resignation on a charter letter from Ley that outlined expectations and stated he would not be involved in formulating immigration policy. 'The leader has made it clear that the shadow home affairs minister won’t lead the Coalition’s response to immigration matters or develop the Coalition’s immigration strategy,' Hastie said in a statement. 'On this basis, I made the decision that I was not able to continue in this role and remain silent on immigration.'
Ley responded by emphasising the need for solidarity among shadow ministers. 'This expectation is not new and is a fundamental feature of our Westminster system of government,' she said. 'I thanked Mr Hastie for his service, and assured him he would continue to be a very valued part of my Coalition team.' She named Liberal senator James Paterson as acting shadow minister for home affairs.
Hastie's resignation follows Ley's recent sacking of outspoken Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who is aligned with leadership rival Angus Taylor. Hastie has backing from conservative Liberals and former prime minister Tony Abbott, but he stated that Ley should continue as opposition leader. 'Sussan deserves the opportunity to lead, unencumbered by interventions from shadow cabinet colleagues,' he said.
Hastie has been vocal on social media about immigration and the housing crisis, warning that the Liberal party could 'die' if it does not commit to curbing net overseas migration. He has also criticised net zero by 2050 policies, calling them a 'straitjacket' on the economy. Ley has insisted that opposition policy should be carefully reviewed before the next election.
