THE HON SUSSAN LEY MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FARRER
MR TED O’BRIEN MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX
SENATOR THE HON MICHAELIA CASH
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE
SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA
SENATOR THE HON ANNE RUSTON
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
FUTURE OF THE COALITION
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Whilst we have enormous respect for David Littleproud and his team, it is disappointing that the National Party has taken the decision to leave the Coalition today.
As Liberals, we respect their decision and commit to continue working collaboratively with them. The Liberal Party’s door remains open to The Nationals’ should they wish to rejoin the Coalition before the next election.
The Coalition Agreement has conventionally been focused on the makeup of our executive anchored in our principled commitment to our shared values.
The Nationals’ sought commitments on specific policies.
As was explained to The Nationals, the Liberal Party’s review of election policies was not an indication that any one of them would be abandoned, nor that every single one would be adopted.
We offered to work constructively with The Nationals, respecting the party’s deeply held views on these issues. We asked The National Party to work constructively with us, respecting our internal processes.
In good faith, the Liberals proposed appointing a joint Coalition Shadow Ministry now, with separate policy development in each party room and subsequent joint policy positions determined in the usual way.
Unfortunately, The Nationals determined this was not possible.
The Liberal Party also insisted that Shadow Cabinet solidarity be maintained in any Coalition Agreement. This was not explicitly agreed to by The Nationals.
As the largest non-government political party, the Liberal Party is the official Opposition.
A new Shadow Ministry, drawn exclusively from the Liberal Party party room, will be announced in coming days.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Office of the Leader of the Opposition: Liam Jones – 0431 000 583
Download the full media release here – https://tedobrien.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/250520-Leader-of-the-Opposition-Media-Statement-Future-of-the-Coalition-20-May-25.pdf