Just two days after their surprise split, the Liberal and National parties have taken a step toward reconciliation, pausing their shadow frontbench announcements to re-enter negotiations.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said he delayed unveiling his team after Liberal leader Sussan Ley agreed to reconvene her party room to consider the Nationals’ four key policy demands.
“She made an offer to reconvene her partyroom… and I thank her for that,” Littleproud said. “As a consequence, I’ve decided to send those spokespeople home as a sign of good faith.”
Ms Ley confirmed the talks had resumed, stating, “I wrote to, and met with, David inviting him to re-enter good-faith negotiations. I am pleased he has accepted.”
She added that the Liberal Party would consider the Nationals’ policy positions through its internal processes.
The Nationals had walked away from the Coalition earlier in the week after failing to secure commitments on four policy areas, including nuclear energy and a $20 billion regional fund.
Talks broke down when Ms Ley declined to enshrine the policies ahead of a post-election review, and rejected Mr Littleproud’s push to allow frontbenchers to vote against Coalition policies, as well as his request to become deputy opposition leader.
Efforts to restore unity included back-channel discussions involving senior MPs such as Dan Tehan, Barnaby Joyce and Darren Chester.
Chester called for party elders to help mediate, while Nationals MP Michelle Landry urged a swift resolution, warning that infighting among conservatives was damaging.
Despite tensions, both leaders signalled willingness to continue dialogue. “She’s got a lot to work through,” Littleproud said. “We will continue to make contact.”
Source: ABC
