Mass walkout of shadow cabinet is only the latest chapter in the Nationals’ chaotic decline
AI Summary
A crisis erupted within the Australian Coalition when Nationals senators defied party lines on parliamentary votes, culminating in a mass walkout of the Nationals' shadow cabinet. Senators McKenzie and Cadell initially crossed the floor months prior, but the situation escalated when they, along with Senator McDonald, challenged party leadership over Labor's hate speech laws. Leader David Littleproud's threat of a mass resignation from Nationals MPs if the senators were sacked triggered the walkout of all eight remaining frontbenchers, including Littleproud himself. This event highlights the growing tensions between the Nationals and Liberals, driven by disagreements over policy, cabinet solidarity, and the Nationals' shift away from representing regional Australia. The crisis has further destabilized the Coalition and potentially hastened the end of Sussan Ley's leadership.
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