Coalition Leaders Announce Official Reunion Amid Tense Exchange
Nationals leader David Littleproud and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Canberra on Sunday, formally confirming the reunification of the Liberal–National Coalition. This move marks the end of a dramatic split that occurred in January, which represented the second major breakdown within the coalition since the 2025 election. The announcement, however, was quickly overshadowed by a fiery exchange between Littleproud and a journalist during the press conference.
Fiery Moment Over Future Guarantees
The atmosphere turned confrontational when Littleproud was pressed on whether the Nationals could provide assurances that they would not walk out of the coalition again. In a sharp retort, Littleproud stated, 'We took a principled position on what we believe in, and that might be a foreign concept to someone like you.' He further emphasized, 'But there are people in Parliament that really do believe in the values of what they're sent here to do.' This comment highlighted the underlying tensions that have plagued the coalition in recent months.
Background of the Coalition Collapse
The coalition's collapse last month was triggered by Littleproud's support for shadow cabinet members who refused to endorse the Albanese Government's proposed hate speech legislation. This legislation was introduced in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack. Under established coalition rules, any shadow minister who votes against an agreed party position is required to resign, a stipulation that remains unchanged under the newly renewed agreement. Ley confirmed the partnership's restoration, stating, 'The Coalition is back together and looking to the future, not the past.'
Terms of the Renewed Agreement
As part of the reconciliation deal, all Nationals shadow ministers, including senators, will spend six cumulative weeks outside their portfolios before returning to their previous positions. They are scheduled to formally resume their roles on 1 March 2026, thereby concluding the acting arrangements that were implemented on 30 January. Ley and Littleproud have established what they describe as 'a clear framework' to prevent another rupture, with both leaders praising the Liberal–National partnership as 'the most enduring and successful' in Australian political history.
Littleproud's Criticism of Government Legislation
Littleproud insisted that the new structure has 'future‑proofed' the coalition's decision‑making processes. He launched another attack on the government, criticizing what he termed a chaotic legislative rush regarding the hate speech laws. 'I don't think any of you could tell me that we have ever seen a bill as substantial as that to be given to the legislators to vote on, with a matter of four to five hours to make a determination as complex as freedom of speech,' he argued.
Dismissing Internal Tensions and External Criticism
The leaders also addressed questions about their personal relationship, following reports of heated phone calls and claims that Littleproud had pushed for Ley to resign during the internal crisis. Ley dismissed the tension, noting that tough moments are an inherent part of political life. 'People who come here are passionate about a range of different things, and that passion gets expressed,' she remarked. The coalition is set to hold a joint party room meeting on Tuesday to solidify their renewed alliance.
In response to the reunion, Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed skepticism in an interview with the ABC on Sunday. He stated, 'I [don’t] think these endless cycles of bust-ups and patch-ups are fooling anybody. No amount of fake smiles for the cameras today can cover up for the fact that the right of politics in Australia is now a three-ring circus.' Chalmers added, 'It’s a three-ring circus of petty, personal and internal rivalries, and I think anyone who thinks that this is the end of it is kidding themselves.' This external criticism underscores the challenges the coalition faces in maintaining unity and public trust moving forward.
