The Nationals have recently severed ties with the Liberals, resulting in a financial setback for their MPs and Senators, who collectively stand to lose nearly $60,000 due to their removal from the frontbench roles. Consequently, Liberal leader Sussan Ley will now solely populate the shadow ministry with members of her party, excluding Nationals representatives.
The 20 Nationals members will receive “spokespeople” roles akin to those held by the Greens, covering key portfolios like treasury and housing. However, they forfeit the additional 25 per cent ($58,415) in remuneration that comes with being shadow ministers, although they maintain the base salary of $233,660 afforded to all Australian MPs and Senators. Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan acknowledged the financial and status losses to many party members but emphasised that their decisions were grounded in principled considerations.
Nationals leader David Littleproud has also experienced a pay cut but remains largely unaffected financially, as he continues to hold the position of party leader. Previously, he would have earned an additional 57.5 per cent ($134,354.50) as deputy opposition leader had the Coalition remained intact, but now he receives 45 per cent ($105,147) for leading a minor party. In contrast, Ley, as opposition leader, bridges a substantially higher additional income of 85 per cent ($198,611).
Furthermore, the Nationals will need to negotiate with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding their staffing levels. Littleproud cited the split as principled, stemming from disagreements on four significant policies: nuclear energy, a future fund for regional Australia, supermarket divestiture, and obligations surrounding regional telephone service. He primarily sought commitments on these policies, while Ley has initiated a review of all policies following the Coalition’s recent electoral loss.
Both leaders have expressed hope for future collaboration despite the split, dismissing speculation surrounding tensions between them. Littleproud maintains optimism for re-establishing a cooperative agreement ahead of the next federal election and believes Ley has the potential to become the next prime minister. This split marks a historic moment, being the first division in nearly four decades and the fourth instance since the Coalition’s establishment in 1944.