Share and Follow

Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has defended his decision to quit the party’s leadership team and ruled out a tilt for the top job.
Announcing his resignation from the Opposition front bench on Friday, the former SAS soldier said he wanted the freedom to be more outspoken on immigration policy by sitting on the back bench.
Shadow cabinet is bound by solidarity when it comes to policy, and members can’t cross the floor to vote against an established position, while backbenchers can.
“We’re also going through a period of renewal as a party, and I want to be able to speak up on issues I care about,” Hastie told reporters in Perth on Saturday.
“In order to uphold the principle of shadow cabinet solidarity, I had to step back.

“On the back bench, I’ll continue to advocate for things I believe in.”

Hastie was the Opposition’s home affairs spokesperson, which typically includes immigration as a junior portfolio.
Liberal senator Paul Scarr, the Coalition’s immigration spokesperson, offers a more moderate voice as he pushes greater focus on multiculturalism and repairing damaged ties with migrant communities.
Opposition leader apologises to Indian Australian community over Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's migration remarks

Price was removed from the shadow ministry after refusing to apologise for comments disparaging Indian Australians, claiming Labor was bringing in more of the diaspora to bolster its vote.

Ley and Hastie are at odds over his resignation, with the West Australian reporting he quit because he wasn’t being given a big enough say in policy.

But Ley said he didn’t raise policy matters when he called to inform her on Friday.

Asked about specifics on Saturday, Hastie said he wouldn’t get into the details.

‘I support Sussan’

The Liberals have not locked in any immigration policies as they undertake a major review following their crushing election defeat in May.
Hastie’s resignation came just days after Ley wrote to her senior team, outlining policy priorities in their portfolios and her expectations about solidarity, including in public commentary.

Hastie denied he intended to challenge Ley’s leadership and said no-one had approached him to.

“I support Sussan. I tried to do this in good faith,” he said.
“I want to give her the clear air and the opportunity to build a policy platform for the 2028 election.”
Asked if the move undermined Ley, who has been dealing with an outspoken backbench, he said the political profession was one “where convictions matter”.
“Everyone knows politics is full of uncertainty, and this is just one of those moments,” he said.

Liberal frontbencher James Paterson said he respected Hastie’s decision and his resignation “shows integrity” but cautioned the party would eventually need to unify.

“It’s not surprising after the largest defeat in the Liberal Party’s history … there’s a period of debate and introspection and discussion about the future direction of the party.
“But that can’t go on forever. That’s something that is appropriate at the start of the term, but if we’re still doing this in a year or two’s time … that will be to our political detriment.”
Liberal senator Jane Hume said while losing Hastie from the front bench was a blow, “we’re such a small and depleted team after the last election, everybody … has to stump up and pull their weight”.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kieran Foran reveals the real reason why he chose to rejoin Manly as he lifts the lid on his coaching ambitions

Kieran Foran Unveils His Manly Return and Future Coaching Dreams: The Untold Story

Former Gold Coast Titans standout, Kieran Foran, has expressed his ambition to…
CCTV footage of an inmate at Cessnock prison attacking multiple police officers.

Shocking Jail Assault Triggers Unprecedented Prison Officer Walkout

An urgent legal session is currently underway, aiming to compel prison officers…
The Bureau's acting chief executive Dr Peter Stone this afternoon defended the layout of the website, but committed to making improvements to the user experience.

Meteorology Bureau Pledges Website Improvements Following Public Feedback

The government weather agency has confirmed it will make changes to its…
'Devastated': Teen cricketer dies after training tragedy

Tragic Loss: Promising Teen Cricketer Passes Away in Heartbreaking Training Accident

A tragic accident occurred when 17-year-old Ben Austin was struck in the…
Brittany Groth today called a previous report by the Herald Sun "a disgraceful smear campaign", after it questioned whether she was underage when she commenced a relationship with Mr Groth in 2011.

Tennis Star-Turned-MP Challenges New Privacy Law: A Battle Between Gossip and News

An intriguing legal battle is unfolding in Australia as a former tennis…
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett.

Federal Police Identify New Top Priority in National Security Concerns

The Australian Federal Police has prioritized the capture of a man believed…
Trump compliments Albanese at exclusive APEC dinner

Trump Praises Albanese During Private APEC Gathering

During a high-profile dinner event, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised Australian…
Hurricane Melissa churns across Cuba as Category 3 storm

Hurricane Melissa Strikes Cuba: Category 3 Storm Unleashes Powerful Winds and Torrential Rain

On Wednesday, Cuba undertook a massive evacuation effort, moving hundreds of thousands…