Cabinet solidarity not taken to Nationals party room, Bridget McKenzie says
The Nationals sensationally split from the Liberal party last week, breaking up one of the most successful partnerships in Australian politics, and the parties have been in crisis talks ever since, with a reformation expected to be announced this week.
Speaking on the state of play on Wednesday, the senior Nationals senator said her party room had agreed to re-enter talks after the Liberal Party conceded on four key policies the party previously refused to give a guarantee on.
The four polices, which were central to the Nationals' campaign, included divestiture powers for supermarkets, nuclear power, its proposed $20bn regional Australia fund and greater telecommunications coverage.
Senator McKenzie said a proposed agreement on cabinet solidarity — which means all shadow ministers would back positions of the Coalition regardless of personal views — was not presented to the Nationals party room.
'What was put to the party room and what the party room made its decision on was the four policy issues,' she told Seven on Wednesday.
'I was in the room. I know what the room made its decision on and it was the four policies, the mobile connectivity, divestiture of supermarkets, nuclear and obviously the regional futures fund.'
Pressed on whether cabinet solidarity was included, Senator McKenzie said it 'wasn't put to the room'.
When asked if the Nationals leader did not bring it to the party room at all after speaking with Sussan Ley, she said it was a matter of 'private conversations' between Mr Littleproud and the Liberal leader.
'I think you are going to have to talk to Sussan Ley and David Littleproud about their private conversations together as leaders,'Senator McKenzie said.
'I can only let you know what the room discussed. And what we made our decision on.'
Senator McKenzie has been scathing of the Liberal Party since the federal election and fiercely supported her party's shock split from the Coalition last week.
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