Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has stated that efforts to forge a new collaboration agreement with the Nationals will require time, emphasizing the prospect of fruitful negotiations. However, there are internal pressures mounting to abandon net zero policies and possibly end the longstanding alliance with the Liberals.
During her meeting with Nationals Leader David Littleproud in Albury on Thursday, Ley engaged in the first official talks since the Coalition suffered a significant defeat in the May 3 election. These discussions are unfolding as the Nationals conduct a post-election analysis, involving private meetings and discussions regarding representation within the shadow ministry.
As part of their push for a stronger presence on the opposition frontbench, senior Nationals members are advocating for an increase in their numbers. This comes after the Liberals experienced setbacks in the poll. Originally, under the leadership of Peter Dutton, the Nationals filled nine shadow ministry positions. In the last parliament, they held two additional spots. Senate leader Bridget McKenzie suggests that the balance of portfolios should now encompass key economic roles, a reflection of the Nationals’ substantial representation, accounting for nearly 35% of the Coalition’s lower house members.
Further areas of interest for portfolios could include energy, manufacturing, and critical supply chains. McKenzie emphasized the importance of the partnership and the need for careful negotiation of a new Coalition agreement.
Ley hosted Littleproud in her electoral district of Farrer to facilitate discussions with her mother, who is receiving end-of-life care in Albury. She described the meeting as productive and respectful, without revealing the specifics of the discussions. Do not take this as the indication of the topics covered.
Marking a departure from the established partnership, National MPs are pushing for a shift from the Coalition’s net-zero stance by 2050. The future policy on nuclear energy is also uncertain, and a review by party elders is expected.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen reacted with skepticism, equating the debate to questioning the color of the sky. The Labor government appears to have no intention of adopting the Coalition’s revised position.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/16/sussan-ley-says-new-agreement-with-nationals-will-take-time-amid-internal-push-to-ditch-net-zero
