Andrew Hastie has resigned from the Coalition frontbench as shadow home affairs minister, escalating pressure on Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. The conservative Liberal MP announced his decision on Friday night after weeks of tension, including refusing to meet Ley during her visit to Western Australia this week.
Hastie attributed his resignation to a charter letter from Ley that outlined her expectations and stated he would not be involved in formulating immigration policy. In a statement, he said: '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. 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. She said: 'This expectation is not new and is a fundamental feature of our Westminster system of government. Compliance with this convention has always been a prerequisite for serving in both cabinet and shadow cabinet.' She thanked Hastie for his service and assured him he would remain a valued part of her team.
Hastie, who has openly discussed ambitions to lead the party, has the backing of conservative Liberals and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Despite his resignation, he said Ley should be allowed to continue as opposition leader, stating: 'Sussan deserves the opportunity to lead, unencumbered by interventions from shadow cabinet colleagues, especially as the Coalition builds out a policy platform for the 2028 election.'
The resignation follows Ley's sacking of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price last month. Ley has named Liberal Senator James Paterson as acting shadow home affairs minister, with further frontbench changes expected soon.
