Coalition split could be just a phase as Nats reconvene
The Nationals are having second thoughts about the coalition's break-up, with the party's leader expecting a reunion within days.
A resolution is possible with the Nationals party room expected to meet on Monday or Tuesday, after it and the Liberals pressed pause on their split, allowing reunion talks to continue.
Former Nationals leader and sitting Riverina MP Michael McCormack, who was part of a minority that did not support the coalition break-up, hoped the week's events had changed minds.
"Common sense would dictate that all will be well," he told AAP.
"But I can't guarantee what my colleagues have got to say."
The Nationals pulled the plug on the coalition's decades-long relationship over four policy demands: a recommitment to nuclear energy, a regional investment fund, powers to break up big supermarket chains and universal telecommunications coverage.
But the Liberals, still reeling from their worst election defeat since World War II, wanted to put every coalition policy up for review.
The Nationals' decision attracted fierce criticism, but the two parties eventually agreed to give each other more time.
The Liberals have since provided "in-principle" support to the policies and Nationals leader David Littleproud said he expected an arrangement in coming days.
Mr McCormack did not understand why his colleagues had voted to leave with such haste.
"That's probably why things went awry," he said.
"Decisions made in haste are not decisions that are well considered, well thought through, pragmatic and practical in the cold light of day."
Mr Littleproud continues to back his party through the ructions, even as some raise questions about his leadership.
He faced a leadership challenge from senator Matt Canavan a week earlier over climate policy and though he prevailed, Mr Littleproud did not say whether the party would stay committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.
His deputy Kevin Hogan maintained any disputes over the policy were "settled years ago" and that it was not up for review.
However, it could return to the fore as concerns continue to bubble.
"I'm not so convinced that the National Party per se are really rusted-on to net zero," Mr McCormack said.
The party had signed on to the policy during different circumstances.
At the time, the US was on board, the Nationals had agreed on the back of road and infrastructure promises linked to the previous coalition government, and Australia was negotiating trade agreements over deals contingent on net-zero commitments, Mr McCormack said.
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The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
So assertive: Liberal women rebuke party elder for jibe
The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said. The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said. The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said. The Liberal Party has been warned not to allow "out-of-touch" men to dictate its future as its treatment of women returns to the spotlight. Former federal Liberal president Alan Stockdale set off a political powder keg when he told a gathering of female executives Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men. As the Liberals reckon with an election drubbing partially driven by a drop in women's support, female members of the coalition have united to lash Mr Stockdale. Hilma's Network co-founder Charlotte Mortlock, whose organisation supports women in the Liberal Party, is calling for action. "Out-of-touch men continue to tarnish the party's reputation ... we can't keep allowing a disconnected membership to determine the future of the party," she told AAP on Thursday. "No one is voting for female politicians to go into parliament and not be assertive. "They don't want wallflowers in Canberra, they want intelligent, assertive women who are going to make a contribution to our democracy to improve our country." Mr Stockdale, who was treasurer under ex-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, made the comments at the NSW Liberal Women's Council meeting on Tuesday night, according to a source. The group were discussing the need for gender quotas when the 80-year-old said words to the effect the women in the party were so assertive special rules may be needed for men to get them preselected. He later told the Daily Telegraph he had made "a lighthearted but poorly chosen remark". Sussan Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, and her deputy Ted O'Brien hit back at the comments. "There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," Ms Ley said in a statement. "The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks." The party has tried to quietly address its "women's issue" but Ms Mortlock said it has not worked. Gender quotas for women were "long overdue" and she urged the party to overhaul its constitution and pre-selection process. "We need to do the reform internally and to be vocal and outspoken when things like this happen so we can prove to women that we aren't going into parliament to be apologists for men's bad behaviour," Ms Mortlock said. The Liberals have long been accused of placing female candidates in unwinnable positions and their policies have recently failed to convince female voters. This was laid bare in May when the party was dealt its worst-ever federal election loss, after a campaign that including the announcement of a policy requiring public servants to stop working from home. That was blamed for alienating women voters, many of whom use the arrangement to balance their jobs with child care and other duties. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Mr Stockdale to "read the room" and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the party had lost its way. The NSW division of the Liberals, in particular, has been in turmoil after it failed to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections in September. The federal Liberals took over and appointed three figures, including Mr Stockdale and another Victorian, to oversee the party's state affairs. Mr Albanese claimed this triumvirate had been put in charge as a result of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott and the desire of the party's hard right faction to banish the historically moderate leadership. During question time in NSW parliament, Labor Premier Chris Minns noted the shadow ministry, composed of 10 women and 16 men, was "like a men's shed". "They're going to have to install urinals," he said.
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australia, Indonesia agree to joint military exercises
Indonesia and Australia will hold joint joint military exercises on a strategic eastern island in the archipelago as the two neighbours seek to strengthen defence co-operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the joint air force and naval drills following talks in Jakarta, where they met to discuss security issues. "We will use the Morotai exercise area in the Maluku Islands for a joint exercise between the Indonesian and Australian air forces. We will also use the Morotai area for naval exercises," Sjamsoeddin told a briefing on Thursday, without specifying possible dates for the exercises. The agreement comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Indonesia in May where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen defence ties amid regional uncertainty over US demands for greater security autonomy from its partners and the rise of China. Morotai, the Indonesian island where both nations will conduct joint exercises, is an allied remnant from World War II that was an important location due to the United States' operations in the Philippines and Australia's in Borneo, according to the Australian War Memorial Museum. Sjamsoeddin highlighted the "excellent" military infrastructure on Morotai, whose location between Asia and Oceania is key for maritime and air operations. Australia and Indonesia signed a security alliance agreement last August, which Mr Albanese described as "the most significant step" between the two countries, as it facilitated "new co-operation in maritime security, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief." While Australia and Indonesia have signed defence agreements in the past, Mr Albanese said it was only a starting point for the relationship. "I do not see this agreement, though, as the last step, just the next step," he told reporters in Jakarta last month. Mr Prabowo, who came to power in October, said one of his priorities as president is to modernise Indonesia's military. Security experts have warned Australia to heed Indonesia's concerns about the AUKUS deal and growing US military presence in the region, which Jakarta viewed as increasing strategic competition. with AAP Indonesia and Australia will hold joint joint military exercises on a strategic eastern island in the archipelago as the two neighbours seek to strengthen defence co-operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the joint air force and naval drills following talks in Jakarta, where they met to discuss security issues. "We will use the Morotai exercise area in the Maluku Islands for a joint exercise between the Indonesian and Australian air forces. We will also use the Morotai area for naval exercises," Sjamsoeddin told a briefing on Thursday, without specifying possible dates for the exercises. The agreement comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Indonesia in May where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen defence ties amid regional uncertainty over US demands for greater security autonomy from its partners and the rise of China. Morotai, the Indonesian island where both nations will conduct joint exercises, is an allied remnant from World War II that was an important location due to the United States' operations in the Philippines and Australia's in Borneo, according to the Australian War Memorial Museum. Sjamsoeddin highlighted the "excellent" military infrastructure on Morotai, whose location between Asia and Oceania is key for maritime and air operations. Australia and Indonesia signed a security alliance agreement last August, which Mr Albanese described as "the most significant step" between the two countries, as it facilitated "new co-operation in maritime security, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief." While Australia and Indonesia have signed defence agreements in the past, Mr Albanese said it was only a starting point for the relationship. "I do not see this agreement, though, as the last step, just the next step," he told reporters in Jakarta last month. Mr Prabowo, who came to power in October, said one of his priorities as president is to modernise Indonesia's military. Security experts have warned Australia to heed Indonesia's concerns about the AUKUS deal and growing US military presence in the region, which Jakarta viewed as increasing strategic competition. with AAP Indonesia and Australia will hold joint joint military exercises on a strategic eastern island in the archipelago as the two neighbours seek to strengthen defence co-operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the joint air force and naval drills following talks in Jakarta, where they met to discuss security issues. "We will use the Morotai exercise area in the Maluku Islands for a joint exercise between the Indonesian and Australian air forces. We will also use the Morotai area for naval exercises," Sjamsoeddin told a briefing on Thursday, without specifying possible dates for the exercises. The agreement comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Indonesia in May where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen defence ties amid regional uncertainty over US demands for greater security autonomy from its partners and the rise of China. Morotai, the Indonesian island where both nations will conduct joint exercises, is an allied remnant from World War II that was an important location due to the United States' operations in the Philippines and Australia's in Borneo, according to the Australian War Memorial Museum. Sjamsoeddin highlighted the "excellent" military infrastructure on Morotai, whose location between Asia and Oceania is key for maritime and air operations. Australia and Indonesia signed a security alliance agreement last August, which Mr Albanese described as "the most significant step" between the two countries, as it facilitated "new co-operation in maritime security, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief." While Australia and Indonesia have signed defence agreements in the past, Mr Albanese said it was only a starting point for the relationship. "I do not see this agreement, though, as the last step, just the next step," he told reporters in Jakarta last month. Mr Prabowo, who came to power in October, said one of his priorities as president is to modernise Indonesia's military. Security experts have warned Australia to heed Indonesia's concerns about the AUKUS deal and growing US military presence in the region, which Jakarta viewed as increasing strategic competition. with AAP Indonesia and Australia will hold joint joint military exercises on a strategic eastern island in the archipelago as the two neighbours seek to strengthen defence co-operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the joint air force and naval drills following talks in Jakarta, where they met to discuss security issues. "We will use the Morotai exercise area in the Maluku Islands for a joint exercise between the Indonesian and Australian air forces. We will also use the Morotai area for naval exercises," Sjamsoeddin told a briefing on Thursday, without specifying possible dates for the exercises. The agreement comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Indonesia in May where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen defence ties amid regional uncertainty over US demands for greater security autonomy from its partners and the rise of China. Morotai, the Indonesian island where both nations will conduct joint exercises, is an allied remnant from World War II that was an important location due to the United States' operations in the Philippines and Australia's in Borneo, according to the Australian War Memorial Museum. Sjamsoeddin highlighted the "excellent" military infrastructure on Morotai, whose location between Asia and Oceania is key for maritime and air operations. Australia and Indonesia signed a security alliance agreement last August, which Mr Albanese described as "the most significant step" between the two countries, as it facilitated "new co-operation in maritime security, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief." While Australia and Indonesia have signed defence agreements in the past, Mr Albanese said it was only a starting point for the relationship. "I do not see this agreement, though, as the last step, just the next step," he told reporters in Jakarta last month. Mr Prabowo, who came to power in October, said one of his priorities as president is to modernise Indonesia's military. Security experts have warned Australia to heed Indonesia's concerns about the AUKUS deal and growing US military presence in the region, which Jakarta viewed as increasing strategic competition. with AAP
West Australian
11 hours ago
- West Australian
Australia, Indonesia agree to joint military exercises
Indonesia and Australia will hold joint joint military exercises on a strategic eastern island in the archipelago as the two neighbours seek to strengthen defence co-operation. Defence Minister Richard Marles and Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced the joint air force and naval drills following talks in Jakarta, where they met to discuss security issues. "We will use the Morotai exercise area in the Maluku Islands for a joint exercise between the Indonesian and Australian air forces. We will also use the Morotai area for naval exercises," Sjamsoeddin told a briefing on Thursday, without specifying possible dates for the exercises. The agreement comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Indonesia in May where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen defence ties amid regional uncertainty over US demands for greater security autonomy from its partners and the rise of China. Morotai, the Indonesian island where both nations will conduct joint exercises, is an allied remnant from World War II that was an important location due to the United States' operations in the Philippines and Australia's in Borneo, according to the Australian War Memorial Museum. Sjamsoeddin highlighted the "excellent" military infrastructure on Morotai, whose location between Asia and Oceania is key for maritime and air operations. Australia and Indonesia signed a security alliance agreement last August, which Mr Albanese described as "the most significant step" between the two countries, as it facilitated "new co-operation in maritime security, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief." While Australia and Indonesia have signed defence agreements in the past, Mr Albanese said it was only a starting point for the relationship. "I do not see this agreement, though, as the last step, just the next step," he told reporters in Jakarta last month. Mr Prabowo, who came to power in October, said one of his priorities as president is to modernise Indonesia's military. Security experts have warned Australia to heed Indonesia's concerns about the AUKUS deal and growing US military presence in the region, which Jakarta viewed as increasing strategic competition. with AAP
