Sussan Ley declares cabinet solidarity 'not optional' as Nationals trio resign
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The news: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has accepted the resignations of three Nationals frontbenchers who voted against her hate speech deal, declaring shadow cabinet solidarity is “not optional”.
The context: While Ley insisted keeping the Coalition intact remained “in the national interest”, the decision risks the prospect of further Nationals resignations, bringing the future of the Coalition agreement and her own leadership into question.
Three Nationals frontbenchers — Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell — voted against the Labor-Liberal deal on hate laws in a late-night Senate sitting on Tuesday.
Shadow cabinet solidarity, which the Nationals recommitted to when rejoining the Coalition in May, requires frontbenchers to vote in unison.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ley said she had made clear to Nationals leader David Littleproud in “several conversations” that his frontbenchers must abide by that “foundational principle”.
“Last night, three Nationals senators were unable to maintain that shadow cabinet solidarity,” she said.
“This is an unfortunate circumstance and one that requires action. I thank David for understanding this.
“[The three senators] have each offered their resignations from the Shadow Cabinet, as is appropriate, and I have accepted them.”
Nationals frontbenchers in the House of Representatives had abstained from an earlier vote, meaning they did not violate shadow cabinet solidarity.
Late on Tuesday night, Littleproud confirmed his Senate frontbenchers would vote against the bill unless additional amendments, rejected by the Liberals, were agreed to. Regardless, Ley has asked Littleproud to nominate three replacements.
In a pointed comment, the Liberal leader noted the Nationals had had “three different positions across both houses” of parliament.
Ley has asked all three former shadow ministers to remain in their various parliamentary and committee roles but “from outside the shadow cabinet”.
“All three Senators have written to me confirming that they ‘remain ready to continue serving the Coalition in whatever capacity you consider appropriate’,” Ley said.
What they said: “The Coalition exists to serve the Australian people. But Shadow Cabinet solidarity is not optional. It is the foundation of serious opposition and credible government,” Ley said in a statement.
The source: Sussan Ley statement
