Nationals Assert Independence Post-Election
The Nationals have confirmed they will not re-enter a formal Coalition agreement with the Liberal Party following the federal election. This decision follows a series of negotiations that failed to reach consensus. Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the party would now sit independently in Parliament. The Liberals suffered significant losses in the 3 May election while the Nationals retained nearly all their lower house seats.
Policy Differences Lead to Coalition Breakdown
Littleproud cited key policy issues as the reason for the split. These include nuclear power, supermarket divestiture powers and the Regional Australia Future Fund. Nationals MPs expressed concern that these policies were not sufficiently supported in Coalition discussions. The fund, worth $20 billion, was a central priority for the Nationals throughout the campaign. Supermarket divestiture powers were also seen as necessary to support competition in rural communities.
Party Will Sit Alone in Parliament
Speaking at Parliament House on Tuesday, Littleproud said the Nationals would continue working with the Liberals on shared interests. However, he ruled out any formal arrangement at this stage. “The National Party will sit alone on a principle basis,” he said. “On the basis of looking forward, not having to look back.” He said the party needed space to regain control of critical policy areas that affected regional Australians.
Independent Policy Agenda for Nationals
The Nationals confirmed they would not take positions on the opposition frontbench. They will instead pursue their own policy agenda during the parliamentary term. The party aims to advance rural issues without being constrained by Coalition negotiations. Littleproud said the decision would allow the party to preserve and protect its hard-fought policy wins. He emphasised the importance of ensuring rural voices continue to shape national debate.
Hope for Future Agreement Remains
Despite the split, Littleproud said he remained open to a future agreement. “I gave her [Opposition Leader Sussan Ley] the commitment that I’ll work with her every day,” he said. He added he hoped to rebuild the relationship before the next federal election in three years. The parties have historically rejoined after similar breaks, with the last formal Coalition collapse occurring in the 1980s.
Election Results Influence Nationals’ Decision
The May election shifted the balance of power between the two parties. Labor secured nearly 95 seats in the House of Representatives, while the Coalition lost ground. The Nationals’ strong performance gave the party greater leverage in negotiations. Many Nationals MPs argued the party’s electoral success justified a more independent approach. They said the party must stay true to its regional base and defend core policies.
Regional Focus Drives Party’s Strategy
Nationals MPs expressed concern about the future of regional investment under a unified Coalition. The Regional Australia Future Fund was seen as a major step toward improving essential services in the bush. They also pushed for stronger supermarket regulation to support regional producers. Nuclear energy remained a divisive issue, with the Nationals supporting its potential role in Australia’s energy transition.
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No Resentment Toward Liberal Leadership
Littleproud confirmed the decision was not personal. He praised Sussan Ley and expressed hope for future collaboration. However, he said the time had come for the Nationals to chart their own course. “It’s on a principle position of making sure that those hard-fought wins are maintained and respected,” he said. “We continue to look forward.”
Coalition History Marked by Past Splits
This marks the first major split in the Coalition since the 1980s. However, the relationship between the parties has always been flexible. Previous agreements have ended and resumed depending on political circumstances. Analysts suggest the Nationals’ current move reflects growing demands for rural representation and policy autonomy.
Opposition Faces New Parliamentary Dynamics
With the Coalition formally dissolved, the opposition will face a new structure in Parliament. The Nationals will maintain separate positions and policies while continuing informal cooperation on shared goals. The split highlights emerging tensions within the conservative side of politics following Labor’s strong electoral win.
Regional Australia at Heart of Party’s Vision
Littleproud reaffirmed the party’s commitment to regional Australians. He said the Nationals would continue to fight for investment, services and fair economic conditions in rural areas. He added the decision to break from the Coalition was made after careful consideration of constituents’ needs. The Nationals now begin a new term focused on independent policy development and regional advocacy.
