The Liberal and National parties have officially reunited after a brief split earlier this month, triggered by the Coalition’s poor election performance.
The agreement was confirmed following a virtual Nationals party room meeting on Wednesday morning, May 28.
The rift, which threatened to unravel the Coalition for the first time since 1987, was resolved after the Liberals agreed “in principle” to four policy demands from the Nationals.
These included lifting the nuclear power moratorium, creating a $20 billion regional development fund, supermarket divestiture powers, and improved mobile and internet coverage.
Liberal Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals Leader David Littleproud are expected to announce the new shadow cabinet, with the Nationals securing six shadow roles and two outer ministry spots. The Liberals will take 14 shadow cabinet positions.
However, some Nationals remain critical. MP Colin Boyce, who missed the meeting, slammed Littleproud’s leadership, saying the split was “based on bad information.”
In contrast, Senator Matt Canavan praised Littleproud’s efforts, stating, “He’s delivered results for the Nationals.”
The party room was not asked to commit to cabinet solidarity, focusing instead on the agreed policy points.
Source: News.com.
