In a significant breakthrough, an in-principle agreement on four critical policies has set the stage for an estranged coalition to mend its fractured relationship after nearly 40 years of political partnership. The move signals a potential end to a rare and tumultuous split that has rocked the political landscape.
The Liberal party room convened virtually on Friday and approved the policies demanded by the Nationals, paving the way for renewed cooperation. These policies include lifting a federal ban on nuclear energy, enhancing rural phone connectivity, granting divestiture powers to curb the dominance of large supermarkets, and maintaining a regional investment fund.
Despite enthusiastic backing, some reservations lingered within the Liberal ranks. Free-market advocates voiced concerns that the divestiture powers could lead to excessive government intervention. Nevertheless, party members reached a broad consensus that unity against opposition forces outweighed internal disagreements, even amid lingering anger over the Nationals’ decision to break ranks earlier this week.
The Nationals maintain that their decision was driven solely by policy priorities rather than political power plays. “No matter how they want to spin it,” said Nationals senator Ross Cadell, “when our regional communities are suffering far more than those in the cities, leaving policies that could help them on the table isn’t a big ask.”
With this breakthrough, Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud are now tasked with repairing their fractured alliance by forming a shadow cabinet. This new cabinet will be composed proportionally of MPs from both parties, signaling a renewed effort to work together on the national stage.
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