“She knew the repercussions of accepting the resignations from three senators,” he explained, “and that it would force the National Party into a difficult position.”

“Yet, she chose to proceed with that decision.”

Littleproud, along with his senators who opposed the government’s hate speech legislation, also understood the implications, as cabinet solidarity is a core tenet of the Coalition agreement.

“This approach is both honorable and fitting for a day of mourning,” commented Charles Croucher, the political editor at 9News.

“However, this also means that others, particularly those opposed to her, will seize the opportunity to dominate the conversation.”

“That could be the final death knell for her in that leadership position.”

This one appears far less salvageable – the only cure that could bring the two parties back together is Ley’s removal.

“We cannot be part of a shadow ministry under Sussan Ley,” Littleproud said.

It leaves the Liberal Party with two options: find a new leader, or continue as the opposition on its own, with fewer than 40 lower house MPs to counter the government’s 94.

“It is a mess. That is the only word for it,” Croucher said.

“It’s a mess that’s going claim at least one scalp at some point in the coming weeks, because clearly David Littleproud and Sussan Ley can’t work together.”

It’s those numbers in parliament that made Ley’s decision to accept the resignations of the three Nationals senators who broke shadow cabinet solidarity so risky.

“You’re flexing muscles you don’t have,” Croucher said.

“There is no room to be this boisterous and stand up to the Nationals, because this is the consequence: the Coalition is split, the opposition looks feeble, and the government’s getting a free ride to start 2026.”

Making matters worse for the now-extinct Coalition is the fact this asteroid was entirely self-inflicted.

The opposition insisted parliament be urgently recalled to pass legislation following the Bondi shooting, only to rupture over the lack of time they had to examine those laws.

“The Coalition demanded parliament comes back – parliament comes back,” Croucher said

“The Coalition demands that parliament splits the bill – the government splits the bill. 

“And still, they’ve split Coalition on this… 

“It’s a remarkable self-inflicted wound, but it’s coming from a party that’s been inflicting wounds on itself now for the better part of four years, and it will just continue in the four weeks ahead.”