Australia's opposition coalition reunites after row over hate-speech laws

Australia's Liberal-National Coalition, the main opposition party, reunited on Sunday after a two-week split over hate speech laws. The Nationals had refused to support the government's reforms, introduced after a deadly attack on a Jewish festival, citing free speech concerns. This division followed a previous split in May 2023 over climate and energy policy. The current legislation aims to ban hate groups and increase penalties for preachers advocating violence. Leaders Sussan Ley and David Littleproud announced the reunification, emphasizing the Coalition's commitment to providing scrutiny and leadership. They also agreed that neither party could overturn decisions made by the Coalition's joint "shadow cabinet." The Coalition faces pressure from the One Nation party after suffering losses in the last federal election.

After a second split in eight months, the Liberal and National Coalition in Australia is set to reunite. Sussan Ley brokered a deal with David Littleproud to bring the parties back together. The opposition leader is expected to announce the reformed Coalition on Sunday. The split occurred due to disagreements over Labor's proposed hate speech laws. As part of the deal, former Nationals frontbenchers will be suspended from the shadow ministry until March. This reunification aims to present a united front in opposition to the current government.